#( anyway PLEASE come bother me if you wanna chit chat for a bit )

[techniiciian]

owo/

[xnchxntmxnt]

OMG HAPPY 2OO LUV!! ILYSM, AND YOU DEFINITELY DESERVE MORE!! AS EXPECTED I'M HERE FOR THE MATCHUP EVENT AND I'M SO SORRY FOR BEING LATE KSDJFHSDF

1 | name : amie 2 | pronouns : s/her 3 | preferred gender : doesn't really matter 4 | self-description :

— it's ya clown sho <3 anyway, i'm an ambivert but more inclined towards the introvert side. my MBTI is INFJ and i'm a Gemini. i'd describe myself as someone who's very observant? yea, i guess. i'm awkward and you know it. My favorite color is blue, specifically sapphire, but i love all pastel colors. My fav show is Chicago Medical and all the psychological and crime thrillers out there are my favorite ( silent patient is my #1 though ) I love painting, playing piano and basketball!

— what i look in a partner you ask, uh, someone who can tolerate my silence. there are times when i go quiet for a whole day, i'll barely speak, no interaction nothing. i want someone who'd not exactly 'deal with it' but 'understand it.' also, i want someone who i can talk to without any hesitation. i have a hard time opening up so i don't do it but when i do, i spill almost everything. i might cry, might have anxiety attack, i might even shout. i know it's not very healthy but i want someone who can help me with those. plus someone who i can read with please <3 cheating and not having any respect for personal space would be the major deal breaker for me

5 | gen. aesthetic : my fashion sense starts from sweats and ends in sweats. i'm a big fan of those oversized hoodies and shirts, like something really comfy. however, i do have a collection of formal wears like blazers and dress.

6 | color/s to describe myself : red, actually. if not read then blue. it switchers but red 90% of the times.

7 | fav song/s : literally everything by Chase Atlantic and The Neighborhood. However, my absolute favorites are some of the famous classical pieces like Experience by Ludovico Einaudi and Chopin's Ballade No. 1 Op 23.

8 | fav genre of music : classical music ( Beethoven, Einaudi and Chopin own my heart )

Lol this is very lengthy I'm sorry, btw congrats again!

I looked into MBTI, I looked into zodiacs, I went off of what you said

Here he is, the man, Seijoh’s do-it-all guy

HANAMAKI TAKAHIRO ur new boyfriend

There is not enough content for him, anyway

How You Met

Bear with me here

Think about this

Artist!hanamaki

You love painting? Art club.

Idk if youre actually in any art club but shhh

Anyway, it was probably some sort of community thing full of tons of different age artists (bc you’d have basketball or something after school and he had volleyball)

So like once a week on thursday afternoons everyone gets together and does all sorts of artsy stuff

Everyone listens to lo fi music (or you can bring headphones) and chit chat and just paint for a couple hours

Its in the back section of a library (bc the library near me does stuff like this its awesome) so if you want you can go read a book while you wait for things to dry

One day the person that ran it suggested you talked to the new guy

He was about your age, it was his first day, they didn't know what all he was good at, and tbh they thought you two would look cute together

Just the vibes yk

So you set up your canvas and stuff next to him and introduced yourself

And you guys just vibe to the playlist

He’s REALLY good

Compliments you a lot too

Which is fun because he’s cute so it makes you a little flustered

You find out you guys go to the same school and he’s on the VB team

And says he has a (practice) game that weekend and asks you to come if you can

Which you do

And they win! So its fun!

Matsukawa basically asks you out for him though

He’s heard all about you already

“You don't get it issei! She’s so pretty!! God, she touched my hand and I thought I was gonna die!!!!!” “the enthusiasm is new for you” “shut up asshole” (conversation from the night before)

So he walks up to you after the game and is like “Hey so,,, we’re going out to get some lunch, you wanna come?”

Makki thinks HES flirting with you and is pissed off about it

Until you all sit down for lunch and oh, the only open spot for him is next to you (since when is matsukawa willing to sit between iwaizumi and oikawa??)

He asked you out after art club that week (Mattsun threatened not to give him any more monster for the rest of the month if he didn't get the guts to do it)

General Headcanons

You date hanamaki, you're also dating matsukawa

There’s no separating them (good thing ur MBTIs work together too, especially for strong friendships)

This was literally my first thought

So

Good luck with both these trolls

More on that later

Of course he’s going to be worried if you go radio silent for a while, but he'll understand

There are some days he’s not gonna wanna talk either

He’s really supportive on your bad days of course

Expect a random text in the middle of the evening from him

“Hiya sweetheart, just wanted to remind you that you’re beautiful, I love you, and I hope your day is going well.”

When he’s having a bad day, the same thing is all he needs from you to keep moving

He’s a really honest person. If you want to talk to him, be prepared not to get any sugar coating. If you tell him to shut up because you don’t want advice, he will. But if you expect advice from him, expect brutally honest advice. Subtlety is not his strong suit, so when it comes to advice, he’s going to tell it like it is. He's just trying to help, yknow?

However, he’s pretty good with people, so will know how to comfort you when something is bothering you. Tea and cuddles? Gotcha. Dancing at 11pm because neither of you want to sleep yet? On it. You want him to hold you? Perfect.

He’s not like...the most touchy person? There are some things he’s really indifferent on, and other things he’s stubborn as hell with. Whatever you wanna do, though

His weakness though

⚠️this part is slightly little bit suggestive⚠️

He will randomly walk up to you and pull you against him, give you a really deep kiss, smirk and walk away like nothing happened

Like hands in hair probably almost making out and then just

Walk away

Because that’s how he kisses and it’s breathtaking every time

It’s either little temple kisses or forehead or cheek pecks or something

Or that

And probably leaves you flustered and it’s funny (to him) (and to me if I was there with you) (bc that would be funny)

Hmm I’m thinking

I’m thinking hair dye dates

He needs help doing his hair from time to time Y’know (he doesn’t he just likes spending time with you) and he wants to make it pink again

So he teaches you how to do his hair and even offers to dye yours one day

Either just a strand or the ends or everything, up to you

Imagine having twinning hair dye with makki isn’t that cute

I think it’s cute

I said ur platonically dating mattsun right

Yes you are now

He absolutely adores you and loves how much makki loves you

Probably would have asked you out if makki didn’t but he was really pushing for makki to because he was just all over you in the beginning

He wasn’t overly attached to you romantically so being friends? Perfect. Sounds great

You two get along wonderfully though like you act like siblings once you warm up to each other

Again, very brutally honest person, but a little more awkward so doesn’t know what he’s saying might come off as he’s acting like a dick

He doesn’t try to though and he does really care about you

Flat out told makki if he breaks up with you and breaks your heart he’s gonna kick his ass (makki doesn’t know he had the same (less aggressive) conversation with you)

Tbh all of the VBC at seijoh loves you

Oikawa loves talking to you he thinks you’re great for makki

Gets you in on he and makki and mattsun’s antics

Iwa thinks you’re good too he just doesn’t know you as well

I think that kunimi would like you (he was almost a runner up--)

Kindaichi too

The first years just think you’re cool even if they won’t say it out loud

Seijoh VBC loves you

You got mattsun’s approval

And hanamaki loves you with literally everything in his life

So

You’re pretty set with your strawberry baby huh

Date Night!

SLEEPOVERS

I was waiting for some matchup to come along that gave me sleepover vibes

In a perfect world where you could do sleepovers with your bf because most parents would,,,not let that happen

Imagine…

He shows up at like 7:00 after practice, pizza in hand because he picked up dinner

You two eat, chat about your day, he probably scarfs down half the pie bc it’s after practice ofc he’s hungry

So when you guys are done eating you head up to your room

And make pillow fort

It’s mandatory

Different design every time, but there’s a pillow fort nonetheless

And then when there’s just enough room for the both of you to climb in

You get a blanket and a couple pillows and one of your phones or laptops or whatever and watch a movie and cuddle

When the movie is over you guys break out the face masks

You ever wonder why he has such great skin? It’s thanks to you (or if you don’t have masks, he picks them up on the way home from practice)

But anyway you guys talk shit about people for a while and sit with the masks on (it’s usually him talking about how Oikawa is a bitch as much as he loves him) (or about whatever he and Mattsun were talking about lately)

You both get chances to vent while the masks sit on your face and you just vibe with music (usually that you pick) (he listens to like,,,meme songs and like CORPSE yk)

After masks you guys make/get some snacks and munch on those during another movie but this time you’re in comfy jammies and more relaxed Y’know

Less paying attention to the movie you’ve seen a million times and just vibing in each other’s presence and it’s just really sweet

Fall asleep on his chest

Let him fall asleep on yours

Either way, you’ve got him whipped for you he loves you

Not that he doesn’t already but that’s his favorite thing ever so please just let him do that

Always makes sure to tell you he loves you before you sleep too

If you fall asleep first he takes embarrassing pictures of you with your hair being a mess & you best bet he sends them to mattsun because “she’s so cute omfg” “dude” “dude what” “you’re so fuckin stupid” “?” “Whatever—good luck being whipped just tell me when you need to get a ring, k” “you’re such a jackass” “yeah yeah Gnight”

Zodiac/MBTI

Okay so I’m not doing a big long paragraph for all this BUT from what I understand, Gemini/Aquarius are really compatible, and ENTP and INFJ are known as “perfect matches” sO (I had a really hard time deciding between Atsumu and Makki because they're both ENTP)

Psst Gemini + Leo is compatible and so is INTP + INFJ,,,, so, again, asking you to marry me sho 💍💍

Aesthetic/Vibes

Playlist

Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C major, BWV 846

Linus and Lucy by Vince Guaraldi Trio (meme song)

Sky Full Of Stars by The Piano Guys

Someone To You by The Piano Guys

Shut Up And Dance - Simply Three

Runners Up

Miya Atsumu, Tsukishima Kei

[dariakem]

“I wanna ruin our friendship”

Denki Kaminari x reader (SFW)

Word count: 1389

Warnings: none :)

Oh, you really had it coming.

It was the first time when you said you’d actually like your friend Denki Kaminari to come over to your dorm room and spend some quality time together. The way he asked about this made you giggle for half an hour straight.

It all happened after your very last class. You were busy collecting all the stuff that was scattered sloppily all over your desk. It always took you some time to get it all in your bag again. By the time when you were actually ready, the last student had already made his way out of the classroom. You headed for the exit as well when you heard a familiar voice call out for you. The sudden shout-out made you turn your head to the left.

“Oi, Y/N!” That was Denki, for sure. You waved back at him with a modest smile. Since you were good friends, you always tended to spend more time together. You actually loved his company a lot.

“You know, I totally forgot to tell you that your room is so neat and cozy. It made me think of home instantly” He said it with that dazzling smile of his.

For a moment, you were confused to the core. Was he spying on you? Stalking you?

“I-I don’t get it. When did you visit my room?” you asked, suspicion slipping through your response line. You could see his expression becoming slightly anxious as he realized you didn’t comprehend the joke.

“N-no, Y/N, I’ve never been there...Though something tells me you wouldn’t mind if I actually had this experience” You could swear on your life, that smirk will be the death of you one day. There was a confused silence between the two of you for a few seconds. And suddenly the classroom filled with your pure laughter.

“You could’ve asked me this in the first place, silly” You couldn’t help but smile at the awkwardness of the situation. “And if you’re still wondering, the answer is yes”

Kaminari let out a sigh of relief, like if he totally weren’t expecting you to be willing to let him in. Guess you really did seem like a person who cherishes their personal space a little too much. And you still let this happen.

You made the way to your room, chit-chatting about some minor events that occurred to you throughout the day. Talking to him always felt amazing since he actually paid attention and gave feedback to whatever you were saying. At this point, you couldn’t stop smiling.

In ten or so minutes, you have reached your destination. Your hand automatically turned the key, while the other one pulled the doorknob.

“So your room really is cozy. New that!” Denki stated proudly. You only rolled your eyes and chuckled at the remark.

“Make yourself at home” You said with a warm smile while approaching one of the shelves to leave your bag there.

Needless to say, you really did have a great time studying for your upcoming English test (well, maybe this part wasn’t that fun after all) and playing computer games till your eyes hurt. You didn’t abandon the idea of ordering some pizza either since the both of you were hungry after a hard day at school.

Dosing off on the floor, feeling warming beams of the setting sun on your skin and listening to Denki tell his absurd stories made you by far the happiest person. You felt a slight shade of red crawling onto your cheeks when he accidentally touched a lock of your hair with his hand, his fingers quickly running through it. Was it accidentally or did he actually mean it?

“Sorry…” He mumbled under his breath.

Let’s make it clear, you never thought that you could have even a slightest crush on Denki. You only thought of him as a friend. A good friend, indeed. But could that spark be something more than what the two of you shared before? You tilted your head to the side, getting rid of those confusing thoughts.

But it was all fun and games until he asked you something weird.

“Hey, Y/N” He called out, still lying on the floor next to you. “Don’t you mind joining me for a...let’s say, a project?”

Intrigued and excited, that’s exactly what you were. This decision didn’t take much consideration, since your curiosity took over your common sense. It was an instant yes.

Your answer made Denki jump to his feet, leaving you all perplexed. He reached out to his pocked and took out his phone. Right after that, he struggled a bit trying to place a phone on your windowsill with its screen facing your room.

Still thrilled, you got up and headed for the window.

As you approached Denki, who was nervously searching for something on his phone, you could’t resist a spontaneous urge to peep over his shoulder. And that’s what you did. You were surprised to see that the boy was scrolling through...his TikTok fyp? Yes, you were pretty much sure that was the right app. The one with silly people dancing to silly music. What was he looking for?

Around a minute passed. You were obviously startled, but Kaminari looked so flustered, that you didn’t really have the guts to ask him about the whole thing. Speechless and confused, you kept staring at the screen. Finally, he seemed to have adjusted everything. Denki opened his front camera in a click. Then he turned around and signaled you to come closer to face the camera. You did as he expected you to, bothering not about this being potentially stupid.

“Could you just listen closely to the lyrics...please?” He asked, his voice cracking a bit. Without any extra words, you nodded.

Another tap on the screen made the music he was probably looking for play. For a moment, you couldn’t stop staring at Denki’s image on the screen. His face features were soft and simply adorable. Dying rays of sunshine made the sweetest highlights, while smooth shadows contoured his face in a way you could never imagine. He was a goddamn angel, too pretty and pure.

And the lyrics went:

“Jenny, darling, you’re my best friend”

You didn’t even notice how quickly your lips formed a genuine smile. In fact, it wasn’t something you did on purpose.

“But there’s a few things that you don’t know of”

Did this line make your heart skip a beat? Hell yeah.

“Why I borrow your lipstick so often”

You blinked a few times, confusion on your face. What lipstick, dear? You don’t even wear any. But why would that details bother you? You weren’t Jenny anyway.

“I’m using your shirt as a pillow case”

That line made you look to your side and face Denki, who...oh god, you could see his hands literally trembling. For a moment, you locked eyes with him. You thought that that only would last for a moment. But the boy wasn’t planning on looking away that soon.

“I wanna ruin our friendship”

Excuse me, sir? Should I be awaiting another line or is it the final message? You weren’t sure. In the corner of your eye, you could see Kaminari leaning in a little.

Your heart skipped another beat.

“We should be lovers instead”

It was definitely a few seconds, though they seemed to last for a whole eternity. Your eyes, widening at the last line you’ve heard, and Denki, staring at you with so much aspiration.

The last thing you remember is you finally moving closer, close enough for your noses to touch, and him putting his arm around your waist. The next moment you felt his soft lips on yours. It felt like a bolt of lightning struck you right in the heart, depriving you of breath and vision. You couldn’t say for sure since you’ve never been thunderstruck before, but that thought didn’t invade your mind anyway. For a matter of seconds you could only feel.

When your lips parted, you noticed that the song wasn’t on anymore. However, you couldn’t care less about the music. All you could see in front of you was a charming boy with his sparkling amber eyes still glued to you.

That’s how Denki Kaminari ruined your friendship. For the record, you didn’t mind a bit.

[willowbird]

Hi! How are you??? Congrats on 100 sweets!

For the prompt thingy can you write some Andrew and Kevin being best friends and shit (maybe Neil as well... idk) but yeah. please. Thank you<3

Oh! You want Kevin and Andrew going apple-picking and Andrew being his wingman? That’s what you said, right? Right? (also thank you thank you thank you!)

This one got a little bit long again, sorry friends. Rather read it on AO3? None of my formattings transferred over so if you want the full effect of how often I use italics (a lot, it’s a lot, like -- it’s excessive I’m sorry) then you might wanna click the link. Otherwise!! Enjoy :)

-----

The rusticly decorated archway had a worn sign that proclaimed 'Welcome to Sonny Acres Farm!' far too cheerfully. Andrew looked up at it in disdain and then landed his judgemental stare the reason he was here in the first place.

Kevin was too used to the glare to be affected by it. "It has good reviews," he explained, like that was anywhere close to being a valid excuse for dragging him out here. The sun was warm but the breeze was mild, the fresh scent of autumn leaves made just a bit sweeter by the hint of apples. It was ten in the morning, the world was quiet but alive, and Andrew was disgusted by how fucking beautiful it was. 

"Right." Andrew didn't know why Kevin had wanted to come to this place so badly, but he was sure it had nothing to do with the reviews. First of all, why the fuck was he looking at reviews anyway? Why the fuck would anyone want to go apple picking of all things? When Andrew had asked these perfectly reasonable questions, Kevin had been annoyingly evasive.

'Are you coming or aren't you?' he'd snapped instead of giving a straight answer, already getting flustered. As if it weren't already glaringly obvious that he was hiding something. Which of course meant that Andrew had agreed to go, if only to see what the fuck this was really all about.

"So are we just going to stand here, or…?" Andrew raised a single eyebrow at his distressingly tall best friend, mostly because he knew how much it irritated him.

Since it looked like Kevin was still preparing himself for something, and Andrew was getting impatient, he only gave him a moment to respond before shrugging and striding forward. He passed under the sign and followed the path to the building closest to the parking lot they'd just come from, not bothering to look back and see if the Abominable Anxiety was following or not. The building revealed itself to be a shop, selling everything from Sonny Acres merch like t-shirts and tote bags to baskets of apples and just about every apple-themed product you could imagine. Apple sauce, apple butter, apple candy, apple pies. Apple soap, apple shampoo, apple lotion. Apple plates, apple dresses, apple earrings, apple apples. 

(No, literally, there was a statue thing that was a large apple… made out of smaller apples.)

Also, four shelves of different kinds of apple candles. Andrew wasn't sure whether to be disturbed or impressed.

The bell on the door chimed behind him before he could make up his mind and he looked behind him to see Kevin entering. Andrew looked him dead in the eye and made a slow, simple gesture at the shop, keeping his expression deadpan.

Unaffected, because he was a bastard, Kevin dared to just roll his eyes and walked past Andrew without comment. He walked through the shop to the check-out counter at the back, looking around like some kind of lighthouse-wannabe giraffe man until he came to stand before it. He stood there awkwardly for a moment before knocking on the surface and clearing his throat.

"Uh… hello?"

Andrew continued to look around the shop, discovering a new apple-themed bit of nonsense with each scan of his eyes. His brain was beginning to hurt. He didn't look over at the desk through the shuffle of the clerk or whoever coming out at Kevin's call and didn't really register their greeting in return. He did snap his attention in that direction at Kevin's response though, which was a stammering, awkward, "Oh, hey… yeah. Hi. Apples."

Andrew watched with instant understanding as the veritable catastrophe played out before him. It was a fucking train wreck and Andrew had never been more glad to be at a place called Sonny Acres in his entire fucking life. Kevin hadn't stopped talking. It was like he couldn't, and it just kept getting so much worse which meant it kept getting so much better. Andrew thought about coming to his rescue, he really did. 

"I mean, there are apples here. Of course there are apples. I mean, apples to pick. I came to pick your apples - oh God not YOUR apples! The apples that you grow at the farm. On the farm. On the farm. I promise I understand English grammar."

Oh Kevin. So that's why he's been unable to get a straight answer out of him earlier. There was absolutely nothing straight about this little trip to the apple orchard at all.

The not-straight answer in question was several inches shorter than Kevin but still too tall to be trusted. Additionally, he was wearing a sunny, affectionate smile like he did so often, the expression easy and comfortable on his face. There were even dimples in his light brown cheeks. Ridiculous. His hair was curly and bleached to a springy caramel except for the roots, and was held back with a headband that, yup, had apples on it. Objectively, Andrew could see why Kevin was being an absolute disaster over the man. Personally, he liked someone a little less sunshine and a little more lightning bolt. Or he would, if he did relationships, which he didn't. He didn't even think about them, and certainly not regarding the unfairly hot neighbor that lived across the hall from him and Kevin.

Andrew moved forward, jamming his focus back on the two morons in front of him rather than Idiot Who Shall Not Be Named.

Sonny Acres Sunshine laughed at Kevin's antics like he was being charming, his eyes dancing. Yeah, dancing. Sweet fuck. "You're a riot Kev."

"Yeah, Kev is hysterical," Andrew agreed breezily as he stepped up beside him, looking the other man up and down. "Aren't you Kev? A regular John Mulaney this guy. Hysterical." He slapped Kevin on the back harder than necessary and ignored the glare he got in return. The dumbass could thank him later.

Sonny Sunshine grinned at him. "You must be his roommate. Andrew, right? I'm Jeremy! He's talked a lot about you. I'm glad you guys came."

"Funny," Andrew deadpanned, studying his own fingernails, "he never mentioned you. Wonder why that is."

"So! Apples," Kevin cut in, apparently feeling pushy today. "Ah, we've never been apple picking or anything. Is there a way we should go about this?" 

The process seemed fairly obvious to Andrew, but he let it go.

Jeremy grinned at Kevin, bright and enthusiastic. "I can walk you through it, no problem. You'd be surprised how many people have never been apple picking before."

Somehow Andrew doubted this, but - charitable soul that he was - he let that one go too.

"Really? Fall is supposed to be the time for it though, right?" Kevin attempting to chit-chat was one of the single most pathetic sights Andrew had ever had to witness. It took all his self control not to grimace.

Jeremy didn't seem to notice though. He just kept smiling, watching Kevin talk like -- oh. 

Well then, Andrew's role here had just changed. Andrew could practically see the blue, purple, and pink hearts dancing around his roommates head. Idiot. Ah well, if they were going to do this, they may as well do this. 

Andrew sighed heavily. "Maybe you could just come with us? Kevin owes me a home-made apple pie and I will not suffer subpar apples."

The look of annoyance Kevin shot him morphed quickly to gratitude the second he realized what Andrew was doing. 

Jeremy was oblivious.

"Sure thing! It'd be my pleasure." Andrew didn't miss the way Jeremy looked directly at Kevin as he said that, because clearly neither of these idiots understood subtly. That was fine. It made his job easier. More amusing, too.

Jeremy asked them to give him a moment to recruit something called an 'Alvarez' to watch the shop for him then left them alone, disappearing into the back room.

As soon as he was gone, Andrew dropped a heavily judgemental stare on Kevin. This one had significantly more effect and Andrew was pretty enough to feel smug about that. He let the silence stretch until Kevin visibly strained with how hard he was trying not to squirm. Then and only then did he sigh and release him, granting a benevolent shrug as he strolled lazily around shop, trailing his fingers over the apple merchandise. 

"So," he said, "Jeremy."

"What about him?" God, it was like he wasn't even trying. Andrew gave him a look and Kevin sighed. His shoulders sagged as he accepted defeat and Andrew basked in sweet victory.

"He's just perfect, alright? He's smart, and athletic, and adorable, and perfect, and sweet, and hilarious, and when he suggested I come see the orchard…" Kevin drifted off, like no other explanation was needed. For once, he was right.

"For the record, I fully expect an apple pie out of this." Andrew picked up an apple-shaped snow globe with an apple tree inside it that had miniature apples floating about in place of snow. He shook it and watched the apples spin and cloud around in a murder-red blur for a moment before he looked up at Kevin. "Also, you are buying the ice cream."

Kevin sighed but didn't argue. "What am I supposed to do? I've been out of the dating sphere for a while."

"Kevin you were never in the dating sphere." Kevin's 'dating' experience included mostly a lot of pining and one actual relationship with a girl who had gotten pissed at him for being abused by his shit family. Yeah. Andrew didn't tell Kevin what to do, but he could lay ground rules that the bitch wasn't permitted at their apartment. He also corrected Kevin every time he said her name by muttering 'Traitorous Bitch' until Kevin finally saw reason and broke up with her.

"You aren't being helpful." My, someone was whiny today.

Andrew set down the snow globe. "Want my advice?"

"Yes!"

"Offer to suck his cock."

"Andrew!" Kevin looked so scandalized one would think a nineteenth-century rake had just asked him to bare his ankles. 

Andrew rolled his eyes. "Just be up-front with him, Kev. You like him, tell him. Be honest about what you want, ask him what he wants. Talk about it. Take it from there."

"What if I embarrass myself?!"

"Then you embarrass yourself." Andrew shrugged and scooped up an apple-shaped hackysack. He tossed it into the air a few times then grabbed another and tossed them back and forth. "What is the worst that could happen? Mr. Sunshine says 'no thanks'?"

Kevin scowled at him. "Yeah, and then refuses to ever even look at me again."

Andrew scooped up a third applesack (hackyapple?) and adjusted his rhythm before he landed his judgement back on Kevin. "If he never speaks to you again just for being honest with him then he isn't worth your time to begin with." He stared at Kevin for several revolutions of his pattern, the schick of the hackyapples hitting and leaving his palms the only sound in the shop. 

Predictably, Kevin was the one to look away first. Andrew gave him a moment and added a fourth hackyapple to the pattern. 

"I really like him…" Kevin finally said, his voice low.

"Clearly," Andrew agreed without sympathy. "Look, you have two choices here Day. You can do something about it, or you could do nothing about it, and let me tell you - pining is not a good look on you."

The overgrown ear of corn muttered something like "Speak for yourself" and then yelped as Andrew smoothly nailed him in the forehead with a hackyapple (those things had just the perfect heft to them).

"What was that?" Andrew asked nonchalantly, smoothly dropping into the three-pattern. 

"I said, speak for your-- ow! Stop that!"

Andrew gave him an innocent look.

"Oh cool! You can juggle?" Jeremy's sunny voice cut in before Kevin could attempt to say something stupid again. Andrew looked over and abruptly dropped his hands to his sides, letting the applesacks hit the ground with soft whacks.

"Nope." Andrew shrugged, picking up the apple-globe again and shaking it as Kevin grumbled and scooped up the fallen hackyapples.

Jeremy chuckled like he'd just made a joke and lifted up three honest-to-fuck baskets with little gingham clothes lining the insides to protect the apples. One was red, one was green, and one was blue. Andrew sighed and held his hand out for one, the just stared at Jeremy when he was offered first the red, then the blue, before taking the green one that was rightfully his. "Kevin likes red," was all he said.

"Yeah?" Jeremy looked at Kevin and smiled as he offered him the red basket. "That's perfect then, blue is my favorite. At least of the baskets. I also like green," he volunteered, looking into Kevin's green eyes.

Sickening, this was truly sickening.

"Yeah, green," Kevin offered eloquently. 

Andrew watched as Jeremy nudged the tall idiot and just barely managed not to shake his head in disdain. He did snort his amusement when he caught Kevin watching Jeremy's ass as the man led them out of the shop through a side door near the back by the desk. The door took them right out to a path that led directly into the orchard. Andrew gave Kevin a pointed shove and made a meaningful gesture for him to catch up with the object of his affection. Kevin scowled at him, but did as instructed because he knew Andrew was right. Because Andrew was always right.

As it turned out, apple picking wasn't as terrible as Andrew had thought it would be. Getting to watch his best friend trip over himself on a constant loop served to be excellent entertainment for the day. He also got to covertly vet this guy that Kevin was so stupid over and as far as he could tell, Jeremy Knox was exactly what he appeared to be. He laughed at Kevin's terrible attempts at humor, was actually able to keep up with him when the conversation turned to the misrepresentation of American History in public schools, and Andrew counted at least thirty-seven times over the course of their little apple picking extravaganza where Jeremy found an excuse to touch Kevin. They weren't invasive touches, nothing gross or grabby or anything, but they were telling. Jeremy was always adjusting the basket he was holding or touching his arm or his hand or picking a leaf out of his hair or -- well, yeah. It was gross.

For his part, Andrew hung back and let the two idiots moon over each other, occasionally joining the conversation whenever Kevin shot him desperate looks or the topic deserved his input.

By the time they were done, Andrew was half-expecting an invitation to the nuptials.

"Hey, this was really great. I'm glad you decided to come by," Jeremy said as he packed their apples into white paper back with smiling little apple-people on them. "Both of you, of course," he amended unconvincingly with only a small glance to Andrew before giving his undivided attention to Kevin again.

"Of course. Yeah! This was amazing. With the apples. And you." Dear Jesus.

Andrew gave Kevin a swift kick to the shin and just stared at him when the man winces and glared down at him. He tried to laser the instruction 'Ask him out you nimrod' directly into his stupid brain and it must have worked because when Kevin finished his silent hissy fit he turned to Jeremy with an apologetic smile and said, "We should do this again."

Andrew kicked him again, because that wasn't good enough.

"I mean! Without the apples. Not that I don't like apples, Andrew ow! Cut it the fuck out!"

Andrew heaved a sigh and threw up his hands, turning to go find those hackyapples. You try to help a guy…

Jeremy was chuckling by the time Kevin turned back to him. Andrew watched out of the corner of his eye as the cheerful orchard-tender placed a hand over Kevin's on the counter. He couldn't see Kevin's face from the angle he was at but he was sure it was as red as some of those fucking apples they'd picked.

"I'd really like that," Jeremy said more quietly.

"M-me too," stammered Kevin with the utmost class.

Pleased with himself, Andrew scooped up a handful of the hackyapples and made his way back to the counter to purchase them. Because he was feeling charitable, he said nothing about the dopey-ass grin on Kevin's face as they gathered up their apples and left. He didn't even comment on the way the dumbass was legitimately humming when they got into the car -- because he was a supportive and generous friend.

That generosity lasted all the way back home. They were just getting to their apartment and Andrew was holding both bags of apples so Kevin could unlock the door when Kevin suddenly stopped and looked down the hall toward the stairs they'd just climbed. Then he lifted his hand in a wave and said, "Oh, hey Neil."

Shit shit shit shit shit!

Andrew glared at the back of Kevin's head, willing him to open the goddamn fucking door.

"Kevin, hey. Andrew? What've you got?" Unable to ignore him now that he'd been directly addressed, Andrew turned slowly and stared blankly as Neil-fucking-Josten came to stand right in front of him. He was wearing a lightly curious smile on his stupid face, one that pulled up on just the one side of his mouth and revealed just the shadow of what might be a dimple if the infuriating man were to smile any deeper. What was even more offensive was the way his eyes reflected the light so that they looked like a celestial sea, stars within stars staring back at him, tempting him with all the things he didn't want to want. 

Not only that, but Neil must be just coming back from a run because he was lightly flushed and the pink that clung to his cheeks, throat, and ears made Andrew’s brain do a thing resembling an old-fashioned VCR when you attempted to rewind a tape while it was still playing -- streaks of static breaking up what should be comprehensible. His wild auburn curls were pulled back with a garishly orange bandana but that only meant there was nothing in the way of his eyes.

His eyes...

He must have been silent for too long because Neil peered into the bags he was holding. “Oh, hey -- apples.” That curious little smile softened and spread slightly as he looked up at him again.

Andrew said, “Apples.”

“I love apples,” Neil said.

Andrew said, “Apples.” Because he was that fucking smooth.

Kevin coughed behind him and Andrew tore his gaze away from Neil’s stupidly pretty face, glaring down into the bags of apples. 

“You should take some,” Kevin offered. “We have more than we need. I’m going to look up how to make an apple pie later too, if you want any.”

“Really? Thanks.” Neil flashed a cheeky grin at Kevin then looked to Andrew. “Can I?”

Andrew said, “Apples.” This time though, he also nodded and attempted to angle the bags so that Neil could reach in a pick out a few. He was sure the other man could hear the way his heart was playing his ribcage like a xylophone as he leaned in so damn fucking close to examine the apples that Andrew could see how criminally long his eyelashes were. Then he was pulling away with his prize, three smallish apples and one large one.

He held them up and nodded. “Thanks for the apples. See you later for the game, Kevin?”

Andrew nodded mutely and Kevin grunted an affirmative, and then Neil was gone, vanishing into the apartment across the hall. Andrew stared at the closed door for a moment then turned toward their own apartment. Kevin was standing there with a smug look on his fucking face. 

“Apples,” Kevin said conversationally.

“Shut the fuck up Kevin.” Kevin was still cackling when the door shut behind them. Fucking bastard.

[trensu]

Episode 29: The One where WWX is the Grandmaster of Self-Loathing and It Kills Me

~THEIR SONG~ IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND ALREADY

WHICH MEANS WE’RE STARTING THE EPISODE WITH QUALITY WANGXIANTICS

Actually the whole episode has High Quality wangxiantics and then it guts you with depressing feelings ahahaha 

bc apparently we’re not allowed to have nice things without Suffering™

So they’re sharing a meal at some meal-selling place in Yiling (idk guys, is it a winehouse? a teahouse?? An inn??? DOESN’T MATTER)

Lwj and wwx are sitting on either side of the table looking somber

I guess they’re feeling awkward maybe??

Idk why, it’s weird

A-Yuan starts frolicking around lwj and wwx gets all antsy about it

He’s all hey, stop bothering lan zhan, come here!

And A-Yuan is all like, NO, I DON’T WANNA and clambers oNTO LWJ’S LAP

IT’S TOO ADORABLE

Wwx starts to scold him but lwj is like NO NO, THIS IS FINE

Wwx teases a-yuan

He’s all, oh, i see how it is, you’ll just chuck me to the side for anyone who’s willing to buy you stuff, huh?

Like i said before, a-yuan is a smart cookie

Then a-yuan takes a seat and goes to town on a bowl of soup.

I understand, a-yuan, i love soup too.

And then he calls wwx to get his attention SO HE CAN SPOON-FEED HIM A BIT OF HIS SOUP AND IT’S TOO CUTE 

Wwx is like, oh, so you DO still love me!

Lwj watches this go down and then informs A-Yuan very somberly of the lan fam rule “no talking during meals”

That’s RIGHT

LWJ JUST DAD’D THE HECK OUT OF HIM

A-yuan continues to chow down on his food but definitely stops talking

Wwx is offended and aghast that a-yuan obeys lwj so easily and he complains to lwj that he has to repeat himself SEVERAL TIMES before a-yuan listens to him

Lwj: silence during meals. You too.

Wwx just smiles at the ridiculous rule and continues talking

Wwx: you haven’t changed one bit. 

Wwx: you know, i know my way around this town, i can be your tour guide!!

Lwj pointedly does not take him up on his offer AND I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY, IT’S NOT LIKE HE DOESN’T WANT TO SPEND EVERY WAKING MOMENT WITH WWX ANYWAY

Wwx: lan zhan, you’re a terrible liar. You aren’t in town for me, are you?

And still lwj doesn’t respond??? 

IT’S BECAUSE OF THAT STUPID LAN FAM RULE, ISN’T IT??

TALK TO YOU SOULMATE, DAMN IT

WHO CARES IF YOU’RE HAVING A MEAL WHILE YOU’RE AT IT

Wwx: you know, i was gonna invite you over to my place but if you’re just gonna nag at me about my demonic cultivation and how i should meditate or whatever, then forget about it

Wwx: i can control myself! I don’t need anyone to save me.

Lwj: wei ying

Wwx: lan zhan, i finally bump into someone i know who doesn’t try to avoid me...it’s been a boring couple of months, why don’t you tell me about any big events happening?

Lwj: what do you mean by big events?

Wwx: idk, like if there’s any new clans or if any clans expanded or made new alliances...just chit chat! Anything is fine.

Lwj: a marriage

Wwx: a marriage? Which clans? 

he sounds so excited to get some juicy gossip here

It’s not gonna last long

Lwj: the jin clan and jiang clan

Wwx: do you mean my sister---Lady Jiang and Jin Zixuan?

Oh god it HURTS

He corrected himself when he called jyl his sister

BECAUSE HE’S NOT PART OF THEIR CLAN ANYMORE

And then he plasters on a smile TO HIDE HOW HURT HE IS THAT THIS IS ALL HAPPENING WITHOUT HIM and asks when the wedding will be

WHICH TURNS OUT TO BE TWO WEEKS AWAY

And his face iS ALL SAD AND HE’S STILL TRYING TO MUSTER UP SMILES 

He’s all, such a big event and jc didn’t even try to tell me about it!

Wwx: even if he told me about it, what could i do then? I defected officially and have no ties to them. What could i do if he had told me?

Wwx: *chugs wine*

Alcohol, wwx, we’ve talked about the alcohol thing. Please stop drinking.

LWJ CAN’T EVEN LOOK AT HIM RIGHT NOW BC HIS SOULMATE IS HURTING AND THERE’S NOTHING HE CAN DO TO MAKE IT BETTER

Wwx: lan zhan, what do you think about this marriage? Oh, right, you don’t care about this sort of thing.

Wwx: i know everyone says that my sister doesn’t deserve jzx, but in MY eyes, that peacock doesn’t deserve her! 

He slams down his wine jar and his voice gets all upset 

And little a-yuan reaches out and grabs wwx’s wrist TO COMFORT HIM, PRECIOUS DARLING BABY

Wwx: She deserves the best man in the world!! JC and i promised her a grand wedding that would be remembered forever!! No other wedding would compare!!

Wwx: and it doesn’t even matter because i won’t be able to go anyway.

AND HE HAS THE SADDEST SMILE ON HIS FACE 

Obviously he takes another swig of wine here because alcohol makes everything better in wwx’s book, which is a lie but since when does anyone listen to me

Lwj: wei ying

And lwj was about to say something else but they get interrupted by wwx’s home alarm talisman informing him that’s something going down in the burial mounds

So wwx grabs a-yuan and dashes out the door

Lwj is quick enough on his feet to remember to pay for the meal and grab a-yuan’s toys (very important, very important, it’s why a-yuan likes him right now) and then follows wwx

Wwx: lan zhan, why are you following us??

Lwj: wei ying, where’s your Magic Ghostbusting Sword?

Wwx: uhhhh...i forgot it at home?

Lol, lwj doesn’t even bother to respond to that. He just grabs a-yuan and runs with wwx all the way back to the burial mounds

OH NO, THERE’S RESENTFUL ENERGY EVERYWHERE BEATING PEOPLE UP AND MAKING A MESS OF THINGS

Holy crap, wwx does this really impressive Dramatic Twirl and magically slams the resentful energy away

HE’S SUCH A BADASS

IT’S ALL IN THE ~TWIRL~ BABY

Lwj hands a-yuan off to granny while wwx gets the low-down

Turns out Wen Ning sort of woke up but is not, like, all there or smth idk

It’s sad seeing wen ning all violent and mean like this when he’s such a gentle soul :(

ON THE PLUS SIDE, we get to see wwx and lwj work together to save him!!

Surprisingly, the flying here is not super cringey, it’s only mildly awful

LWJ HAS GOT HIS GUQIN OUT AND PROCEEDS TO GUQIN THE HECK OUT OF WEN NING

Also, i love how it kind of looks like he “powers up” his guqin attack by making that circular motion over the strings? The accompanying music from that motion really makes it seem like it’s charging up. I like it.

While lwj is guqin’ing wen ning to stay in one place, wwx goes ninja-fast and slaps like, ALL the talismans on wen ning and activates them simultaneously

And between the two of them, they manage to save wen ning from being a mindless zombie forever!! I mean, he’s still a zombie but he’s got his mind back! EVERYONE’S REALLY HAPPY, INCLUDING ME.

Wwx to wen ning: how are you feeling?

Wn: i feel like crying

LOL ME TOO WN THAT’S USUALLY HOW I FEEL LIKE WHEN PEOPLE ASK ME THAT

Wn: ...but i can’t

Oh.

I take back my lol

Not being able to cry when you want to is actually super depressing.

Lwj: you did it *is impressed*

Wwx: of course! I’m a man of my word. Hey, since you’re already here, why don’t you visit for a bit?

Cut to wwx and lwj walking into the cave that wwx calls home

Lwj: ...it’s called the demon-subdue palace?

Wwx: YEP! I named it myself!!

Wwx: now, i know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking it’s a terrible name, BUT THAT’S WHERE YOU’RE WRONG

Wwx: see, i know everyone thinks i’m, like, evil or whatever and this is the place i sleep most often. 

Wwx: a cave with a demonic man lying down in it all the time? Of course it should be called demon-subdue palace lololol

Me: *facepalm* stop….stop naming things, wwx.

Wwx: let me show you around!

I would like to point out that they walk past the ONE BED in the cave to start the tour

This ONE BED in this SPECIFIC CAVE has featured in many a wonderful fic! And should continue to feature in many more wonderful fics

Wwx: this here is my Blood Pool! It’s where i heal up and buff my stats, just like you have your Cold Spring! Except mine has water that smells like blood and comes out of that creepy giant stone face thing

Lwj looks rightfully concerned

And also, i am offended on his behalf that wwx would compare this creepy ass pool to the cold spring. How very dare.

Oh man, they’re about to have a Serious Conversation

BUT IT’S BETTER THAN THEIR LAST SERIOUS CONVERSATION

Because this time they actually talk things out

(see, lwj can learn from his mistakes!)

Lwj: wei ying...can you really control it?

Wwx: control what? Wen ning? Of course I can! Look at him, he’s all better!

Lwj: what if he loses himself again?

Wwx: i’m a pro at handling his rampages now. As long as i have Plot Device 2, nothing will happen to him!

Lwj: but what if something happens to you or Plot Device 2?

Wwx: it won’t

Lwj: how can you be sure?

Wwx: it won’t and it can’t!

Lwj: you want to keep it this way from now on?

Wwx: what’s wrong with that? Don’t underestimate this land! It’s bigger than YOUR land and the food here tastes better too!

Lwj: wei ying, you know what i mean

Wwx: lan zhan, i’m trying to avoid the topic and you keep talking about it!!

Then their Serious Conversation gets derailed bc wwx starts coughing. Which might not seem like a big deal but it is

Lwj: your injuries…

And here lwj grabs at wwx’s wrist but wwx yanks it back real fast

Bc the wrist is where they check for spiritual energy or smth and we all know wwx doesn’t have that anymore, since he GAVE UP HIS GOLDEN CORE

Wwx: no need. Why use spiritual energy for such a small wound. I can just sit here and let it heal on its own

LOL, WE’RE GETTING A FUN BIT HERE TO MAKE UP FOR ALL THAT SERIOUS STUFF BEFORE

Wen Qing walks in and is all, what, my badass doctor skills aren’t good enough for you? I could totally heal you

Wwx: what are you doing here interrupting my date with lwj. Are you done crying already?

Wq: i’ll make you cry

Wwx: pffft, yeah right

Wq: *goes and hits wwx in the back*

Wwx: *coughs up blood*

Yeahhh, i wouldn’t want to go toe-to-toe with wen qing unless she asked me to and then i would happily do whatever she wanted

Wwx: you’re so cruel! *swoons like some maiden*

Lwj: wei ying! *catches him all gallantly*

WWX YOU LITTLE FAKER, YOU JUST WANTED LWJ TO HOLD YOU

And we know this bc wen qing pulls out her Very Scary Medical Needles and wwx wisely RUNS AWAY even tho he was all “passed out” two seconds before

And after that fun bit, the show makes me sad about tea somehow. I don’t even like tea.

Wwx is all, wen ning, why are you serving our guest water?? How embarrassing, go get the tea!

And wen ning is all, but there’s no tea??

Then wwx is like, well we gotta get tea for next time we have guests

There’s a hella awkward pause

Wwx: that’s right, we won’t have any more guests…

THIS STUPID SHOW IS GIVING ME FEELINGS ABOUT TEA

MY ONE TEA OBSESSED FRIEND HAS BEEN TRYING TO MAKE ME FEEL STUFF FOR TEA FOR YEARS WITH NO SUCCESS

AND THIS, LIKE, TWO MINUTE SCENE MADE ME SAD ABOUT TEA

Anyway.

We cut to the next scene which has wwx walking lwj out of the burial mounds and we’re getting another Serious Conversation

Wwx: lan zhan, you asked me if i intended to keep things the way they are now. Tbh, i also would like to know what else i could do besides this.

Wwx: give up my crafty tricks and turn over Plot Device 2? What happens to the Wens? Do i turn them in? I can’t do that.

Wwx: i believe if you were me, you wouldn’t be able to do that either

WHY IS HE SUCH A GOOD PERSON. WWX IS BETTER THAN ALL THE OTHER CULTIVATORS PUT TOGETHER

Wwx: can anyone give me any better options? One where i can protect those i want to protect without using demonic cultivation?

He says this so passionately. HE JUST WANTS TO PROTECT PEOPLE. HE’S WILLING TO DO OTHER THINGS IF IT MEANS HE CAN STILL PROTECT PEOPLE BUT HE CAN’T!!! AND I AM DISTRESSED.

Lwj doesn’t say anything in response.

He knows wwx is right and there’s nothing he can do to make things better for him

Wwx: lan zhan, thank you for your company today. And thank you for telling me about my sister’s wedding

HE SAYS THIS WITHOUT LOOKING AT LWJ AND HE LOOKS LIKE EVERY WORD HIS HURTING HIM BECAUSE THEY’RE ALL WORDS HE’S USING TO SAY GOODBYE AND HE DOESN’T WANT TO SAY GOODBYE TO LWJ.

And before i can start crying, A-Yuan appears to make me feel better!!!

He’s latched onto lwj’s leg again (bc i mean, honestly, who wouldn’t??)

And he’s asking lwj to stay for dinner!!

Wwx: a-yuan come here. Lan zhan has his own food at home. He won’t be eating with us here.

A-yuan: but i heard a secret! I heard there was going to be lots of tasty food today!

Wwx scolds a-yuan for half a second before turning to look at lwj WITH THE MOST HOPEFUL EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE

HE WANTS LAN ZHAN TO STAY FOREVER FOR DINNER TOO

But for some unfathomable reason lwj looks at a-yuan and says that he is leaving.

WHY

YOU WANT TO STAY THERE TOO

WHY MUST YOU TWO MAKE THINGS SO DIFFICULT FOR ME YOURSELVES

Wwx gives this stiff, sharp nod like, yeah, of course of course, i knew that, this doesn’t kill me inside AT ALL

Lwj walks off and wwx + a-yuan make their way towards the burial mounds

A-yuan: will the rich man ever visit us again?

Wwx: what rich man?

A-yuan: the one from just now!

Wwx yoinks the toy butterfly from a-yuan’s hand here

Wwx: you really like him that much, don’t you?

And he holds the toy out of reach and teases him

A-yuan: give it back! He bought that for me

Wwx: no! I won’t give it back until you say i’m your favorite

And this entire adorable scene is being watched by lwj who is just a ways away 

I’d say he’s lurking like a creeper, but Hanguang-jun is too honorable and handsome to be called a creeper by anyone ever. 

BUT he is lurking. 

He looks all solemn

A-yuan tells wwx what he wants to hear and gets his toy back.

Unfortunately wwx’s distraction tactic didn’t work

A-yuan: so will the rich man come back or not?

Wwx: probably not

A-yuan: Why??

Wwx: there’s no reason why. In this world, everyone has their own paths to walk.

A-yuan: oooh

Lol, he nods like yeah, i totally understand what you’re telling me bc i’m a big kid who can know things. HOW CUTE!

AND HERE WE GET THAT QUOTE. THAT IMPORTANT ONE. THE ONE THAT IS LATER USED AS A PUBLIC LOVE CONFESSION.

Wwx: who needs the crowded, broad avenue? I’ll stick to my single-log bridge until it’s dark.

Lwj is still here, watching. And he hears wwx say this.

Lwj doesn’t turn to walk away for real until wwx and a-yuan are out of sight

HE WANTED TO SEE THEM FOR AS LONG AS HE COULD

I’M TOTALLY NOT TORN UP ABOUT THIS

I’M CHILL AND COLLECTED FOR REAL

Then we cut to wwx arriving back at the demon-subdue palace where there’s a surprise dinner party!! 

AND A-YUAN GETS SO ADORABLY EXCITED OVER THE ABUNDANCE OF FOOD, I LOVE IT SO MUCH i get excited about food too, a-yuan!!

This whole thing here is very sweet and this is when we really see wwx accept the wens as his family rather than as his moral obligation

As the @theuntamednarrator said, they gave him homemade liquor! That’s the one guaranteed way to our sunshine boy’s heart!!

It’s all super sweet, like i said, until wwx gets himself plastered. Then it takes a turn towards the Hella Depressing. 

I really want to skip over it because it really is HELLA DEPRESSING AND STILL MAKES ME LEGIT CRY ACTUAL TEARS EVERY TIME I WATCH IT 

but i can’t because it’s got some wangxiantics and this is a wangxiantics guide

So everyone at the dinner party drinks until they pass out, basically. 

Except for wen qing, who is completely sober, and wwx who is an alcoholic with an inhumanly high tolerance apparently

He’s all flushed and red-eyed tho

Wwx: wen qing, the first time i saw Lan Zhan was when i snuck Emperor’s Smile into the Cloud Recesses

He laughs here, remembering; it’s all cute here for a bit.

Wwx: it’s too bad you didn’t see his face, his stony face...but the emperor’s smile is really good. I wonder if i’ll ever get a chance to drink it again

And his entire demeanor changes here. He started out more or less cheerfully reminiscing about his first meeting with lwj but in that last bit his whole posture droops and he gets the saddest look on his face

Wen qing notices this, but is kind enough to pretend not to by focusing on wiping down that table.

Wwx: i’m a good for nothing

OH GOD

Wwx: i promised my sister i would help her hold the most splendid wedding in the world

FUCK, HERE COME MY TEARS

And wen qing fucking freezes here eVEN SHE KNOWS THIS IS GONNA HURT

Wwx: but now, i can’t even attend the wedding

Wwx: i’m completely useless, i am completely useless

SHIT, GOD DAMN IT, I DON’T FUCKING WANT TO CRY WHERE ARE THE GOD DAMN TISSUES 

Wwx: i am completely useless

HAVE MERCY, HAVE MERCY ON MY POOR HEART, JESUS FUCKING CHRIST

So while i’m fucking sobbing out every ounce of moisture in my body, we cut to the cloud recesses and we see lwj kneeling in front of a set of closed doors

(we’re not going to dwell too long on that because i’m already in fucking shambles from two seconds ago and i can’t handle any more Family-Related Sadness right now)

He’s on his knees, with his arms outstretched holding two long, heavy bamboo sticks

There are disciples scurrying around and avoiding the scene, like oh shit, better not get in the middle of that

Lwj’s head is ever so slightly bowed, still as a statue, and completely blankfaced

And we get ~their song~ BUT WITH VOCALS THIS TIME

THE FIRST TIME WE HEAR THE VOCALS WITHIN THE SHOW

YOU KNOW

THE VOCALS THAT ARE SUNG BY THE ACTORS PLAYING OUR BELOVED LWJ AND WWX???

YEAH

THOSE VOCALS

BECAUSE I WASN’T FEELING ENOUGH INTENSE EMOTION YET

The scene starts off in the daylight and we see him enduring this punishment 

HOURS go by bc it’s dark and there’s a good inch of snow accumulated around him by the time some random lan cultivator dismisses him

Lwj gets up GRACEFULLY (bc that is his default mode, i guess?? HOW??) and there’s a literal patch on the ground completely devoid of snow bc that’s how long and still he kneeled there for, holy shit.

And he walks away calmly

There’s no more wangxiantics in this episode

But show-runners decided they didn’t want to COMPLETELY DESTROY OUR SOULS just yet so they give us an anticlimactic but kind of cute ending to the episode 

We get to see that there are “yiling patriarch disciples” who are actually frauds in terrible cosplay trying to sell mediocre talismans at high prices

and wwx is all “who the heck are these guys, wait, i don’t actually care”

We get to see that the wens are slowly starting to prosper in their little corner of the burial mounds

Also, somebody built a shrine and left food offerings at the entrance to the burial mounds?? Which, hey, wwx doesn’t say no to free food and neither do i because what kind of crazy person turns down free food??

And, i mean, that’s basically it?? Like i said super anticlimactic

SO WHO ELSE HERE IS SITTING IN A PUDDLE OF TEARS NOW? ANYBODY?? ANYBODY???? PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME CRYING BY MYSELF, THAT WOULD BE PATHETIC, I CAN’T HELP IT IF I HAVE A HEART FULL OF FEELINGS

Return to Masterpost

[petri808]

Plea Bargain

@nalulovelovefest 12/3/19

Mahalo @random-rave for the idea :)

Originally for day 1, it morphed into a story encompassing all 8 days of prompts (playful, innocent, desperate, unbearable, ecstatic, teasing, funny, fight).  Lol, it’s the omake you may wish for from FT City Hero ;)  Rated M for NSFW, hot, cheesy police humor & fluff

When he had walked in to his home that evening after a long shift, officer Dragneel hadn’t expected to find a burglar rummaging through his belongings.  

“Hold it right there!” he flips on a light switch, “you’re under arrest.”

The woman stood frozen a moment before pasting a smirk upon her face.  She drops her bag of loot and holds up her hands, “you’ve caught me officer,” looking at his badge, “Dragneel.”

Drinking it all in, Natsu flashed a fang, my what a score he had here!  Lithe and sinewy the woman’s skin tight, black body suit hugged all the sinful curves she sported.  And how adorable, she even wore an eye mask and cat ears.  He licks his lips as his eyes travel along its length, a yummy hourglass frame and buxom chest, it was a crime in itself that she owned such a body. “You know,” he unhooks the cuffs from his belt, “burglary is a felony young lady and the punishment could be stiff.”  

The woman’s grin only widens, “I think I can handle it.”

“We’ll see about that.” He prompts her up against the couch and pulls her arms behind her back, cuffing the wrists together.  Leaning over his catch, his fingers keep a tight grin on her hip as he brushes his lips over her nape.  “You have the right to remain silent or anything you say can,” jutting hard against her backside, she squeaks when a long solid object makes itself known, “and will be used against you.”

“Please officer Dragneel, I’m sure we could strike a plea bargain that we’ll both be happy with?”

“Hmm,” kneeing her legs apart, “adding bribery of an officer, you must really want to be punished.”

She shrugs her shoulders, “what can I say, I’m a sucker for a man in uniform, but I’d bet,” leaning back she makes a grab for his crotch, “you look even better out of uniform.”

He slaps her hand away. “And you look best, bent over this couch.”

“I know, and frankly I haven’t been laid in a while, so I wouldn’t mind it.”

“Tch.”  Always keeping one hand on her back and a knee on her thigh to hold her still, he frisks the perp.  Running his hands up and down every inch of her body from her calves on up, meticulously scrutinizing junctions and crevasses where she may be hiding something.

“You know that would be easier to accomplish if you stripped me down,” a timber of amusement in her tone. “I wouldn’t be opposed to that.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” gliding the edging of his hand under the curve of her breast, “especially for this area,” and giving the large mounds a squeeze, “there may be illicit evidence hidden away in here.”

“I plead the fifth.”

“Oh ho,” he stands her up straight, “that sounds like an admission to me.  You’ve been playing coquette till this point and now you wanna keep quiet?  Didn’t think I’d take the offer huh?”

“Hmph!” she pouts, and turns her head, “Do your worst to me copper!  I’ll never break!” But the slight uptick in the corners of her mouth are telling.

“Thanks for the permission girly, now I don’t need a warrant to search your premises.  Come on,” he grabs the crook of her arm and pushes her towards a back room of the house, “time for your interrogation.”

Once inside the bedroom, officer Dragneel locks the door behind him and makes sure the windows are locked before removing the cuffs from her wrists.  “I’ll put them back on after you remove your clothes.”

“No.”

He cocks and eyebrow, “Do I need to strip you myself?  The faster you comply, the easier this will be for you.”

“Ugh fine!”  Mumbling under her breath, “would’a been more fun if you did it.”

“All in good time. But you may leave the ears on for now.”

She’s about to question it but decides to ignore the comment.  It wasn’t a kink she thought he’d had but eh, whatever floats his boat cause it didn’t bother her.  She slinks her way out of the stretchable fabric, pulling her arms out, passing it down and over to release her chest from its bindings.  All the while he watches, memorizing details he wanted to recall later, his eyes stalking each movement like a predator.  Down the suit travels, revealing her flat little tummy and as it passes her legs, she kicks it off at him, smirking as she does it.  

He growls and motions to her undergarments, “those too.”

“Shall I leave these on?” she runs her hand along her thigh high, heeled boots.  “Maybe another one of your kinks?”

“Off, you could be hiding a weapon in them.”

“Oh no,” she unzips the sides and starts to remove them, “I left those in my other boots.”  Dropping the first boot, “didn’t think I’d have company,” then the removes the second one, “you got off early today.”

“And how would you know that?”

“I’m a burglar,” unclasping her bra and letting that fall, “I normally case my targets, oh and see,” flouncing her breasts, “nothing hidden here.”

“Not too bright to pick a cops house, and I can see that.”

Removing her last vestige of modesty, “Anyways, like I said earlier, I’m a sucker for a guy in uniform.” She throws the thong at his chest, giggling when it catches on his badge.  “Whoops!”

“Whoops my ass!” he grabs her and drags her onto the mattress, cuffing her wrists to the headboard. “It’s not very nice to tease, you know,” pulling the wooden baton from his belt holder.  Running it along her leg to her inner thigh, grazing her sex and lingering at her entrance causing her to shiver, then trailing it against her side, “especially an officer of the law,” before placing it on his night stand.  He unholsters his Glock, ejects the unspent bullet into his hand and the mag, “wouldn’t want ya getting any ideas,” adding it next to the baton.  His belt is next to be unceremoniously tossed onto the stand.

“I was just being friendly,” she purrs.  “Can’t help it if you thought I was teasing you.”

“Tch,” shirking off his pants and tossing it onto a nearby chair.  “Just an innocent criminal, isn’t that what they all say?”  He unbuttons and zips out of his uniform, shrugging off the stiff material, then the bulletproof vest and adding it to the pile of clothes.    

Arching her body and jangling the metal cuffs as she pulls slightly against it, “Mmm,” she bites the corner of her lip, “I was right about one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You do look better out of uniform.”

“All the more to torture you with, I’d say.  This technique has been known to elicit confessions.”

“I can imagine.  You expecting me to sing for you copper?”

“Oh, I expect a lot more by the end of this night.”

“Then get on with it,” she settles against the downy comforter in a suggestive manner, “but lose the boxers, or are you going for cruel and unusual punishment, hmm, I’m laid bare, I have my rights, equal treatment an’ all that, so shouldn’t you be naked too?”

“Are you sure, it might add to the punishment.”

“I can handle it… literally,” she winks, “if you let me.”

“No.”

She pouts, “no fun.”

“Enough with the chit chat,” sitting on the edge of the bed.  “Tell me your name.”  She smiles and shakes her head.  “Are you the same person who robbed me last week.”  Silence.  “There’s been a string of burglaries in this area, did you commit those?”  Still not a sound.  “Are you going to tell me anything about your crimes?”

“Nope.”

With a sigh, “Well you leave me no choice,” he gets off and pulls a blindfold out of the night stand, moving to place it on her.

“Hey that’s not fair,” she tries to fidget out of his grasp, but he pins her down and secures it tightly over her eyes.  “But I didn’t get to see the goods!”

“Aww,” he runs the back of his hand along her cheek, “what was it you said earlier, haven’t been laid in a while, feeling a bit horny are ya?  You gave me the perfect method to gain your cooperation.”

She grits her teeth, “that’s cruel…”

“I’ll make sure you are compensated if I’m satisfied with your answers.”

“Come on!” she whines, “let me see it at least once.”

“Alright fine, if you tell me your name, I’ll give you a peek.”

After a brief pause, “Lucy,” she spits out, “Lucy Heartfillia.  Now tit for tat.”

He sits up on his knees to reach over, loosening the blindfold, and remains raised so when it falls from her eyes, his erection is in full view.  She gasps a bit, “impressive… Damn that might be enough to make me go straight.”

“I think that’s the best compliment I’ve ever heard.”  He secures the blindfold again.  “Gonna answer my other questions yet?”  She shakes her head, no.  “Suit yourself.”

Lucy can feel the bed shifting telling her that he’s gotten off and she reaches out with the only sensory device she had left under her control, hearing.  Sounds of a drawer opening or closing, rummaging as if he was looking for something.  Something plastic, no or maybe latex?  Was he putting on gloves or a condom, it was hard to tell the difference.  Finally, after what felt like forever, she felt him getting back onto the bed and moving over her.  “Took you long enough, it’s kinda chilly left bare like this.”

“Don’t worry things are about to heat up.”  He settles more of his lower body between her legs, allowing the weight and length of his cock to ride up against her clit.  The heated pressure makes Lucy arch, but his hips keep her pinned.  “Now,” he flicks her nipple and rims it with his tongue, “the way this works,” sucking in the pert little button in and popping it out, “is I’ll continue to play,” squeezing her breast and nibbling the supple flesh, “however I desire,” he moves over to the next breast, teasing in the same manner, “everything but,” moving to the nape of her neck, nipping and biting, he shifts his pelvis and lines up letting the tip, press hard against the entrance, almost pushing in, “this,” then pulls away, settling once more to simply torture her clit, “until you decide to tell me what I want to hear.”

“T-This is extortion…” but when his canines graze against her neck a little deeper than before, she moans, “fucking hell.”

“You can end this whenever you want to.”

“I-I won’t cave, but at least tell me your name…  So, I can curse it!”

He chuckles, “it’s Natsu,” grinding his pelvis into hers, eliciting a gasp, “scream it nice and loud for me.”

But she sucks in her lips, biting down as she shakes her head trying to muffle the moans.  Lucy had targeted the sexy cop who taunted her dreams and now she was paying for it.  Well, depends on how she wanted to view the situation cause frankly, it was turning out to be a play by play of one of her fantasies, minus a few more kinks she would have loved thrown in.

Natsu bides his time toying with Lucy’s beautiful bosoms, massaging and kneading the malleable flesh to his heart’s content while his tongue lavishes her jaunty nipples with wet kisses, and working the fevered skin until it trembled from the slightest touch.  He couldn’t help but groan at the idea of fucking these mounds one day.  Smirking against them, maybe she’ll break in a third time.

He slides a hand up grasping her under the chin and turning her head to the side, “give up yet?” Lucy shakes her head, “I think you’ll need to see the next half of this.”  So, he pulls the blindfold up letting it settle at her crown and he brushes his lips along her jawline, nibbling their way to her ears.  The warm air from each breath wafts over her skin, making the tiny hairs behind her neck and along her arms stand up.  Shivers course through her body with every nip, but when the sharper canines sink into her flesh a tad, Lucy can no longer hold back an amorous moan.  “Oh, that was a tell,” he teases the blonde, peppering her collar with more love bites. She bucks at him, jerking roughly at her constraints.  Natsu stops his ministrations, “Don’t do that, you’ll really hurt your wrists.”

“Then take them off,” she pants.

“I can’t risk that.” Lucy watches him get off the bed and leave the room for a few minutes.  When Natsu returns, using the sash from a robe, he ties them around her wrist, to the headboard, then removes the metal handcuffs.  “There, that should be better, but still try not to pull hard on them.”

“Gee, thanks,” she rolls her eyes.

“You could always confess.”

“No.”

“I’m not complaining,” taking another nibble at her jaw, “take all the time you need…”  Natsu returns to his craft but decides to roam.  Trailing his hands along her sides, “Mmm, I wonder what other sensitive spots I could find…”  As soon as he reaches just under her rib cage she flinches.  “Oh, there’s one.”  

“D-don’t you dare…”

Travelling lower to her hip and feeling her skin start to crawl, he knows he’s getting close, and sure enough as his hands ghost towards her inner thigh, Lucy bucks her hips and her dying laments turn to lust-filled whimpers.  “There we go.”

Skimming along, Natsu marks a path along Lucy’s streamlined frame, trailing plush wet kisses down over her sides, her stomach, pleasing with his tongue, or scraping his nails to trigger ripples.  She alternates between held breaths and loud sighs, eruptions of giggles and fits of impassioned twisting in a bid to curtail or drive him in the direction she wishes.  Natsu, knows she’s growing impatient and doesn’t give in, merely holding her still when she moves around too much.  

And it is.  Lucy’s desperation is mounting, she’s so close to throwing in the towel, yet she holds out in the hopes that eventually all this foreplay will be too much for him to keep up with.  I mean, he’s gotta be hurting too by now, how much bluer is he willing to suffer through?  But, the closer Natsu gets to her core, the more her resolve begins to crumble.  His lips have become fiery stokes, leaving heated embers in its wake fueling the passions coiling at her center.  They tease now at the junction of her legs, her mewls escalating with each touch along her sensitive thighs, but her dying determination is about to reach its breaking point.

“Damn woman you are wet!” Natsu licks his lips slowly watching as her eyes follow every movement, “I bet you’ll taste delicious…”  With his mouth poised over the very essence of her sexuality, he looks up a final time with the cockiest of grins, his tongue perched and ready to play, “any last words?”

“I…” but Lucy shakes her head adamantly, damn it she wasn’t gonna crack!  Her breathing stills and eyes clamp shut in eager yet anxiety-ridden anticipation.

“Okay,” he sits up and scoots himself off the bed.

“W-Wait!”  Her eyes fly open.  “What…  Y-You can’t just… Don’t just leave me hanging!”

“I told you earlier, if I’m satisfied with your answers, then you’ll get compensated.  But you refused so no sweets for the sinner.” Natsu picks up his boxers from the floor.  “Too bad too,” he gives his cock a few hand strokes, “bet you would have enjoyed this reward.”  Shrugging his shoulders, he moves to pull his boxers on.

“WAIT!!  Okay, Okay, yes it was me, I broke in here three times so far.”

“Three?” cocking a brow, “I only knew of two.”

“The first time, I just kinda,” she blushes and turns her face away, “watched you sleep.”

He sits back on the edge of the bed, “a burglar…” tiptoeing his fingers along the inseam of her leg, “and a peeping tom,” when they reach her clit, he drags them across causing her to shudder, “I’ve lost track of all the counts against you.”

“I’m sorry okay!  I swear it wasn’t me who burg’d those other places, I’m innocent of those.  I only broke in here cause I wanted to have stuff of yours as a keepsake.  Please Natsu…” her whimpered prose a sweet melody as she reaches with her toes to probe his thigh, “please?”

“Well I guess since you’ve complied with my terms,” Natsu crawls back over Lucy, muzzling against her neck, “it’s only fair that I honor the deal.”

“Mmm,” arching her body, “honor, integrity, and all that jazz,” she purrs through the measured kisses along her nape.  “But how bout losing the cuffs?”

He chuckles against her skin, “nice try.”

“Worth a shot.”

Resting more to his side, Natsu slides Lucy’s leg up and over his waist to gain access as he continues ravaging her neck with love bites.  Her succulent moans feeding his actions when he slips a couple of fingers into her entrance, pushing as deep as he can before curling them.  She was still so slick her walls offered no resistance at first, only grabbing hold when he tried to remove them.  “Natsu…” her body churns, hips grinding of their own volition in time with his pumping, she cries out when his thumb sweeps over her clit in a tag-teamed raid.  Harder and harder he plunges his fingers through her channel, adding a third digit to the fray.  This final assault staggers Lucy’s vision with heated and dancing stars, her body contorting when the makings of her climax take firm hold.  Again, his name is cried out to the world, reinforced in a continuous line of babble that only makes sense in her mind.

“My name sounds amazing,” he removes his fingers as she comes down from the high, “coming from those lips of yours.”  Licking his fingers, “mmm, was right about being delicious too.”

Lucy manages a smile as her heaving chest and racked body work hard to balance again, but Natsu gives her sensitive sex little reprieve before he’s right back on top of her, fully vested and plunging his steeled cock into her pussy, swallowing her screams as expletives now replace his name.  It only makes him grin wider.  “Too much?” he teases.  

“Noooo,” is the only word he can make out from her gibberish.

He settles into a smooth repetition, grinding harshly against her center with an upward thrust at the end.  His fingers groping her ass, coveting and lifting to help her meet his momentum. She twists against her bindings, chastising him, wanting so desperately to rake her nails down his back.  “Natsu please undo…”

A crackling sound from a radio, “Central to 348, Hearfillia come back.”

“Oh, hell no!” Natsu grits his teeth.

“Wasn’t…. planning to…. So close…” she whimpers, “so fucking close again…”  Picking up the speed, Natsu pumps faster and harder, practically bouncing her into the mattress.  He can feel the walls clamping down around his cock….  “Natsuuuuu!”  For the second time tonight, Lucy orgasms violently, body twisting and arching while he tries to keep her from bucking him off.

More crackling, “Central to 348, Heartfillia answer your damn radio!”

“I-It sounds urgent Natsu,” she’s still panting harshly, “I think I need to answer, untie me.”

He growls, “But I ain’t done yet!  Fucking Fullbuster can wait!”  

“Untie me Natsu, it’s not like I’m leaving.”

“No!”

“Central to 362, Dragneel where the hell is your partner?!”

“Screw him!  We’re off the damn clock!”

“Natsu come on just untie me so I can shut Gray up.”

“Fuck him, that icy perverted bastard!”

“Central to 348, Heartfillia come back or I’ll send a squad car!”

“See!!  Just fucking untie me Natsu!”

“Ugh!” he reaches up, undoing the knot.  “Goddamn asshole, just hurry up.”

Lucy crawls over and grabs the radio from her nightstand, “348 to central, keep your pants on Fullbuster, what do you want?”

“Central to 348, there was a report of Oracion activity down at the piers, Detective Dreyar is requesting you get down there as soon as possible.”

“348 to central, I’ll finish up what I’m doing and be on my way.”

“Central to 348, any approximate eta?”

Natsu shakes his head at Lucy.  “Um 348 to Central, no I can’t give you that.”

“Central to 348….”  Pause.  “Never mind I assume Dragneel is involved.  Captain Makarov said just get down there ASAP.”

Before Lucy can even put the radio back onto the nightstand, Natsu hauls her onto all fours and rams his cock back into her like a man on a serious mission causing her to shriek from the sudden impact.  The radio clatters to the ground haphazardly beneath the bed.  “Do you…” he impales the blonde sharply, driving over and over, “have any idea how much effort it took,” gripping to her hip bones, “to maintain this erection for so long!”  

“S-Sorry…” her laments mix with carnal mewls, “did I play the part t-too well?”

“Fuck yes!” Natsu growls, “But damn it if didn’t just turn me the fuck on!”  With unrelenting assaults, he plows into the blonde, rocking her senseless.  Losing strength in her arms, Lucy drops forward, biting into a pillow and digging into the sheets to muffle the screams leaching from her mouth.  “And we’ve been so damn busy with work, it’s not like we get this chance often….”  The swings in his hips start to grow erratic, “Oh, god it’s coming….” gritting down, his voice changing octaves, “Luce…” he manages her nickname as the surges ripple through his frame, pulsing with each blast of seed into her.  Natsu pumps his hips in a couple more jerkier attempts before pulling out and falling over spent and tired beside Lucy.  “Fuck that was amazing…”  

“Ugh…” Lucy whines, “I really don’t wanna…”

A crackling sound breaks the din but it’s coming from Natsu’s radio only, with snickering in the background “this is Central to 348 and 362,”and a hint of bemusement in the dispatcher’s tone, “disregard the call for assistance, just check in with detective Dreyar in the morning.  But by the way,” they can hear whistling, cat-calls, and Natsu you stud type comments being yelled in the background, “you might wanna make sure you turn the answer button off next time.”  

The couple turn wide-eyed towards each other and Lucy clambers out of bed to shut her radio off. “Aww fuck!” Natsu runs his hand over his face, “Gray’s never gonna let me live this down!”  

“Just Gray!” she shrieks, “Hello!!  The whole damn department’s gonna know by the morning!”

[broken-clover]

Dust Strikers Story Mode 1/4

I haven’t seen too many resources available when it comes to Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers, a DS-only sidegame released in 2006. While I will agree that the gameplay and story did leave a bit to be desired, I still get a decent bit of fun out of it as the only GG game I own that I can play at college. I wound up going through all 20 story modes for the purpose of jotting down all the game dialogue, in case anybody needed it for reference for whatever reason and didn’t have a copy of the game. I’m gonna upload this in chunks for the sake of space.

Part 1 (Sol, Ky, May, Millia, Axl), Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Dialogue for some scenes is repeated. I tried my best to keep this more or less lifted right from the game, though I did make a few edits just for grammar’s sake because this game isn’t very well edited. I did not try to change any conversations just for the sake of it.

Sol:...Whew... Jam: How rude. What's your problem? Faust: Is there something wrong? Sol: A doctor and a chef? This is a big joke. Quit following me wherever I go. Go back to your real jobs, man! Faust: This is what it takes to master the tricks of the trade. It's necessary to learn to see things from the patient's perspective. Jame: The art of cooking is also a quest. You're not gonna find anything new just by sitting around. Venom: Then I should get to know a wider variety of opponents. Let's roll! Sol: Move it. Just go to bed!

Bridget: Whoah, everybody looks tough Chipp: Hey! what's a kid doing here? Eddie: A child. Attractive in terms of her youthfulness but too immature to become my host Bridget: You're not taking me seriously? Then let me show you my moves Sol:...back off. Don't be wasting my time Eddie: Interesting. I shall keep a record of the battle results for future reference Bridget: Don't be surprised! Here I come! Sol: What am I, a babysitter? I can't deal with this...

Slayer: This is quite an unusual combination Sol: I'm starting to get tired of your face Testament: Different being. What do you want? Slayer: Nope. Nothing in particular. Just happened to pass by. Testament: Then please go away Dizzy: Oh, you're Mr. Slayer, aren't you? Please excuse Testament's words. He doesn't mean any harm. Slayer: I'm not bothered by it. Don't worry. But this is quite interesting. Sol: So what the hell is your point? Slayer: Those who have veered off the path. I guess the same must be said of me. Testament: What are you insinuating? You better have a good explanation Slayer: My apologies if I offended you. I'm just genuinely interested in your powers Sol: You using us to kill your boredom? I think it's time you hung em up.

Anji: Finally found you. Sol:...It's you again. Anji: Let me ask you straight out. Do you have any idea where 'he' is? Sol: So what if I know? Anji: Can you tell me where he is? Of course I'm willing to work for it. You and I have a bout, and if I win, you tell me. Sounds fair? Baiken: Wait! Let me in on the festivities Sol: Sorry, not interested. You guys enjoy each other's company Anji: Even Justice feared my powers...Still not interested? Sol:...! Baiken: Shut your trap! You're starting to get on my nerves. I'll kick all of your butts right now! Axl: Whoa!...Damn it...is this a bad time? Baiken: Eavesdropping, are we? I'm not impressed! Axl: I just wanted to ask chief something Sol: And even you. Why does everyone want to stick their noses in other people's business! Axl: No worries, chief! Just a quick bout, no hard feelings! Sol: I'm not responsible for what happens.

I-no: You're late. You shouldn't make ladies wait like that. Sol: shut up. What are you wandering around for? Johnny: Hey, what a coincidence. Didn't expect to run into you here....guess yu're busy with a woman Sol: You stay out of it I-no: Ooh, another cute guy Ky: All of you! Freeze right there! I-no: and now a cute boy, too. Ky: Sol..! And Johnny the pirate, and you're..! I-no: I'd stay out of it if I were you. Why don't you just go home to mommy? Sol: That's enough chit chatting. Let's let the fists do the talking! Ky: ...Sol! I-no: The violent guy as always. Sure, why not...I'll cut you all up into pieces! Ky: I guess there's no alternative. Holy Knight combat was initially meant for handling multiple enemies. I'll show you what it's all about!

Sol: Finally we meet... Gig: Grrr... Sol: I'm here to figure you out. Gig: Grrrgh! Sol:...Too late, I guess. Then die.

Gig: Grr...grr... Sol: Don't bother. It's over Gig: Grr.... Sol:...I'll make sure we get even for your sake. I guarantee you we'll find the dirt bag...

Ky

Jam: Ayah! Who's this cute guy? Ky: You must be...that chef, Ms. Jam Kuradoberi. Jam: That's right! You remembered me! I'm so happy! Ky: I'm glad to see you're doing well. May: Wahts...oops! Oh no! Ky: You must be May, the pirate May: Are you going after Johnny? You'll have to get by me first. Ky: Please, put your guard down. I'm not after pirates right now. Testament: So you're out bounty-hunting then. Probably after me then, aren't you? Jam: Ooh, you're quite the hottie too. Wanna work at my restaurant? Testament: Stop talking nonsense... May: It's two hot guys...but Johnny's way hotter than both of you!

Zappa: Hey! Miss! Millia:...Yes? Zappa: If it's possible, can you be my wi... Millia:... Zappa: Actually, never mind... Axl: Dude, let me show you how it's done. Hey, you in the beautiful blond hair! Let me buy you a cup of coffee so I can see which glows brighter, your hair or your eyes. Millia:...Um, I'm in a hurry. Ky: You're Millia, the former assassin. If you're not with the guild anymore, leave the rest to the police force. No need to put yourself in danger. Millia: I'll take care of him. It's none of your business. Ky: But no, we have to... Zappa: What's all this talk about? Even the police are here. Maybe I should get outta...NO!...Happiness. Hatred! Hatred! Millia: Why don't I ever have luck with men?

Faust: Traveling lady with the scent of blood. Where are you headed? Baiken: Get lost, you lame doc. It's none of your business. I can kill whoever I want. Chipp: Woman enduring countless bloodshed. So you're that Japanese beauty? Ky: There's nothing but anger inside you. As a protector of public safety, I can't let such hateful words pass Baiken: Kid, if you don't wanna get hurt, you should just keep your mouth shut Ky: I have confidence in my sword. Not exactly my favorite option, but in this case I have no choice Faust: What you need is some time off in total peaceful serenity. As a physician, it is my obligation to make sure that you are cured.

Anji: You must be Ky Kiske, former leader of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights Ky: Yes, that would be me. And who are you? Anji: Last name is Mito, first name is Anji. I'm just a journeyman Ky: So what can I help you with? Anji: I'd like to challenge you to a match. I wanted to see firsthand the skills of a top-class warrior like yourself. Ky: I can tell from your presence that you're not an ordinary foe. Asian martial arts? Interesting. I accept your challenge. Slayer: In that case, count me in too. Fighting for the sake of fighting. To me fighting is life's best form of entertainment. Don't you think? Potemkin: I myself haven’t had any worthy opponents recently. Sure, I'll take you on. Ky: This is getting interesting. It's been a while for me too. Bring it on!

I-no: You're late. You shouldn't make ladies wait like that. Sol: shut up. What are you wandering around for? Johnny: Hey, what a coincidence. Didn't expect to run into you here....guess you're busy with a woman. Sol: You stay out of it. I-no: Ooh, another cute guy. Ky: All of you! Freeze right there! I-no: and now a cute boy, too. Ky: Sol..! And Johnny the pirate, and you're..! I-no: I'd stay out of it if I were you. Why don't you just go home to mommy? Sol: That's enough chit chatting. Let's let the fists do the talking! Ky: ...Sol! I-no: The violent guy as always. Sure, why not...I'll cut you all up into pieces! Ky: I guess there's no alternative. Holy Knight combat was initially meant for handling multiple enemies. I'll show you what it's all about!

Ky: What overpowering energy! Gig: Grr... Ky: You telling me this used to be a man? Gig: Grrrgh! Ky: Damn! I have no other choice...

Gig: Grr...grr... Ky: Barely managed to hang on... Gig: Ghhh... Ky: It looks like his losing control of reason has maximized his powers to infinite levels... Gig: Grr.... Ky: ...Pease, rest in peace I-no: Good job for a young boy like you. Ky:! I-no: I can probably kill you easily now...but that wouldn't be fun. So I'll let you go. Ky: You tell the man who created Gears, that he will pay for his crimes! I-no: You don't stand a chance! Why don't you look at yourself in the mirror before you speak? But I'll let him know anyway. Seeya! Ky: ...hate to admit it, but I'm not strong enough yet...but I will eventually rise over the true Gear powers.

May

May: I've got the chills. Faust: Perhaps you have a cold. Here, let me take a look. May: Don't come near me! Faust: What's the problem? May: These vibes...I'm positive! You're...you're bald, aren't you! Venom: You must be Faust, the Dark Doctor. Or should I call you doctor- Faust: Stop it. I don't use that name anymore. Venom:...Excuse me for being disrespectful. Doctor, I'd like you to accompany me. Faust: I'm sorry, my job is to save lives. I don't know if I can be of much help to you and your comrades. May: Look at all that hair...I guess it's not as bad as being bald...doesn't it get in the way? Venom: Let's put your limitations into perspective, then. You'll realize there are only so many lives you can save! May: Who, me? Zappa: KILL! KILL! Let me kill! May: What's with all these weirdos? I'm fighting for real, then!

Chipp: Please, I'm begging you! Baiken: Geez, what is your problem? Chipp: Make me Japanese! Even samurai give mercy, don't they? Baiken: No samurai here. Not a chance, buddy. Be a big boy and get over it, willya? Anji: Hey, what are you doing here? Chipp: You'll do! Please, tell me how to become Japanese! Anji: There's no way in hell, man. Be content being the 'president' Chipp: NO! I wanna become the president, become a Japanese, surpass master's ninjutsu abilities and take revenge! May: You guys arguing over something? Chipp: Damn...what are you doing here? Anji: Yup. A 'Japanese' May: Japa...what? Why're you crying sir? Something wrong? Did I do something wrong? Chipp: I will reach the top! You watch me, master! May: Wow, you scared me! You know I'm tough when I'm mad!

Jam: Ayah! Who's this cute guy? Ky: You must be...that chef, Ms. Jam Kuradoberi. Jam: That's right! You remembered me! I'm so happy! Ky: I'm glad to see you're doing well. May: Whats...oops! Oh no! Ky: You must be May, the pirate May: Are you going after Johnny? You'll have to get by me first. Ky: Please, put your guard down. I'm not after pirates right now. Testament: So you're out bounty-hunting then. Probably after me then, aren't you? Jam: Ooh, you're quite the hottie too. Wanna work at my restaurant? Testament: Stop talking nonsense... May: It's two hot guys...but Johnny's way hotter than both of you!

May: Wow! Look how big you are! Potemkin: And so are you. May: Hey! That's not very nice! Potemkin: No, I just thought you grew a little compared to the last time I saw you May: Well thanks fr the compliment. Think I'm good enough for Johnny now? Eddie: Having a host in her growth spurt...might not be a bad idea. Johnny: Out of the way, May! Potemkin: Humph! May:...Thanks Johnny: Thanks. I owe you one. Eddie: How dare you... May: Now it's my turn! I'll prove it to you that a girl in love is unbeatable!

Millia: Long time no see...Honey, you look very different. Dizzy: It's all thanks to May, and all of my great friends. May: Hee hee. Stop, you're embarrassing me Dizzy...everyone loves you only because you're a good person, that's all. Bridget: Yes, I think so too. To think that there used to be a bounty on her is weird when you think about it now. Millia: Treasure that happiness you have. And don't turn out like me. May: Why don't you join Jellyfish too? I'm sure Johnny will welcome you. Not to mention you're beautiful. I'm a bit jealous...don'f forget though, Johnny is mine! Millia:...thanks. But I think I'll take a pass. I have some unfinished business. Plus...actually, never mind. I think I better go now. Okay, let me through.

May: Phew. Finally here. Gig: Grr.... May: Wow!...No worries. I'm not freaked out. Johnny always tells me I should lend a helping hand to those in need. Come with me, my friend. Gig: Grrrgh! May: What! Whoa!

Gig: Grr...grr... May:...Why? I didn't want to do this to you. Gig: Grr... May: I'm so sorry...

Dizzy: May! May: Dizzy...I couldn't do it...Couldn't help him like Johnny would. I just wish we could've been friends. Dizzy:...I think you did the right thing... May: Whatdya mean? Dizzy: Look at that peaceful face. Thanks to you, he's finally free from long suffering. May:... Dizzy: Let's go back. Everyone's waiting. May:...uh, all right (...rest in peace, my friend...and good night)

Millia

Zappa: Hey! Miss! Millia:...Yes? Zappa: If it's possible, can you be my wi... Millia:... Zappa: Actually, never mind... Axl: Dude, let me show you how it's done. Hey, you in the beautiful blond hair! Let me buy you a cup of coffee so I can see which glows brighter, your hair or your eyes. Millia:...Um, I'm in a hurry. Ky: You're Millia, the former assassin. If you're not with the guild anymore, leave the rest to the police force. No need to put yourself in danger. Millia: I'll take care of him. It's none of your business. Ky: But no, we have to... Zappa: What's all this talk about? Even the police are here. Maybe I should get outta...NO!...Happiness. Hatred! Hatred! Millia: Why don't I ever have luck with men?

I-no: What do we have here, the desperate bachelorettes council? Baiken: What kind of greeting is that? That's not a very nice thing to say Jam: That's right! You're rude! And what about you? I-no: Oh dear, don't be so uptight. It's just a joke, honey. Or were you offended 'cause I was right on the mark? Millia: You're a joke. Why don't you get outta here. I-no: Oh no. I'm scared. I guess this is how women become as they get older. Baiken: You crazy! I'll cut you up into pieces! Jam: I'm not showing you any mercy either! Millia: If you're not gonna get outta here, we'll have to get rid of you. It's as simple as that. I-no: You're such sweethearts. Very well, I make you cry lots. We'll find out how loud you can cry.

Millia: Long time no see...Honey, you look very different. Dizzy: It's all thanks to May, and all of my great friends. May: Hee hee. Stop, you're embarrassing me Dizzy...everyone loves you only because you're a good person, that's all. Bridget: Yes, I think so too. To think that there used to be a bounty on her is weird when you think about it now. Millia: Treasure that happiness you have. And don't turn out like me. May: Why don't you join Jellyfish too? I'm sure Johnny will welcome you. Not to mention you're beautiful. I'm a bit jealous...don'f forget though, Johnny is mine! Millia:...thanks. But I think I'll take a pass. I have some unfinished business. Plus...actually, never mind. I think I better go now. Okay, let me through.

Testament:...Long time no see. Millia: That's a first. You coming up to me to say hi. Things have changed, haven't they? Testament: You're still caught up in the past and changing the thorny path. Millia:...it's none of your business. Move out of the way, will you? Testament: I don't have a problem, but... Millia:... Testament: You seem hesitant. With such mixed feelings, it may cost you your life. Millia:!!! I must have lost my edge, to be getting advice from you. Potemkin: What he's saying is on the money. Those with swaying motivation never fight to their full potential. Please excuse my eavesdropping. Anji: Just happened to pass by. Millia: Then I guess I'll have to eliminate all doubts before I get to him. I'll need your cooperation for that.

Millia: So...we meet again...Zato. Eddie: So you still haven't gotten over him? Millia: Shut up, you damn beast...I'm talking to him, not you! Eddie: What do you want to talk to ME about? Millia: I'm taking you down. I'm sick and tired of looking at your pathetic, bony remains. Venom: Not so fast...! Master Zato is regarded as the crown-jewel of the guild. You'll have to hand him over to me...! Slayer: I've told you the Guild is no more. No raison d'etre and no purpose. Continued existence will only bring further regret and despair. Venom: Oldtimers can keep their mouth shut. The guild no longer belongs to you. Millia: It has nothing to do with me anymore, I don't care what happens to it. I just want to take care of this guy with my very own hands. Eddie: Do you think it will be that easy? What do "I" think?"...Not so easy, "I" say. Venom: I sense you...Master Zato. I am going to free you, Master, from the evil spell of death! Eddie: Ha ha...this is great! Lowly humans who cannot accept death. That's the right evil spirit to have! Slayer: I'm the one who started all of this. I must atone for my past deeds. Fine, let us put an end to it all.

Millia: You look very much like him. Gig: Grr... Millia:You resemble him...and you resemble me. Gig: Grrrgh! Millia:...All right. I'll let you rest.

Gig: Grr...grr... Millia:...good night. It's all over now. For you, and for me. Gig: Grr... Millia:...may your soul rest in peace

Millia: (Have I been watching my own future? Is this what you wanted to tell me? Zato...)

Axl

Axl: Hey, what's that you're holding? I didn't know you had those toys, even in this day and age. Bridget: This is not a toy! It's a tool of my trade! Axl: Ouch! I'm sorry! What have we here? Playing pool at a place like this? Venom: How dare you insult my combat style. I say you deserve a beating. Axl: Hang on a sec! Something wrong with this era. Every toy's being used as a weapon. So what do people actually play with? Johnny: The best for of entertainment, I'd say is the thrill and romance of playing with fireworks at night. I'm pretty sure that's the consensus. Axl: You know what you're talking about! I'm actually great with fire myself...here we go!

Chipp: Hey! I have a question. Axl: Hi there, you look very hot. I-no: You talking about me? Axl: Of course! Who else would it be? Great body, silky smooth hair, you're electrifying! I-no: You're very good with words. Let me ask you then. Who's hotter? That woman or me? Chipp: Hey, listen up! Millia:...don't bother me. Chipp: !...you used to be in the guild! Millia: Yes, but that was a long while ago. Now I'm in the same boat as you. Axl: Ah man, this is a tough one. They're both really hot. Chipp: I'm taking down the guild! You women stay out of it! Millia: That I cannot do. Just like you, I can't pull out. Axl: This is a tough decision... Millia: And...quit staring at me with that perverted look on your face! Axl: Oops, I think I got her mad at me.

Potemkin: You youngster there. I see you have some talent. How about testing some of that talent on my fists? Axl: Man, you've got a nice build. But what do you have to gain? Plus, are you sure you can handle me? Potemkin: I wouldn't underestimate me. My drive for freedom locked inside my heart is my greatest weapon. Axl: Cool. I love peace and freedom too. But you might get out of breath when you're so stiff all the time. Ky: So you're fighting in the name of peace and freedom. Perhaps I might come up with answers for myself too. Excuse me, I'd like in as well. Jam: Just drive won't take you anywhere. There's no victory for those who can't face reality. I'll prove it to you right now!

Faust: This is an interesting symptom. I see, it's a cause and effect cycle. Axl: You, I never asked you to check up on me! Even though it's true that I've been through a lot, I've never had any doubts about my body. Faust: Oh, is that right? If there aren't any cures, that may very well be the best treatment. Axl: I'm more concerned about your body. Looks a little mysterious. Faust: Not to worry. It's all functional Slayer: Irregulars with an added spice that changes the world of men. Axl: You talking about us? Slayer: It's because of people like you that makes humans interesting. Even though you're blessed with great powers, it's normal to you. Very typical of how humans behave. Axl: It'll stress you out if you think so deeply. Zappa: Hahahahaha! Slayer: Look. Yet another fellow favored by the goddess of fortune. Axl: I do like women but I'm not sure about the goddess. Slayer: It must be the uncertainty factor that led you into running into me Axl: C'mon, let's just have fun...I thought this was supposed to be a party!

Anji: Finally found you. Sol:...It's you again. Anji: Let me ask you straight out. Do you have any idea where 'he' is? Sol: So what if I know? Anji: Can you tell me where he is? Of course I'm willing to work for it. You and I have a bout, and if I win, you tell me. Sounds fair? Baiken: Wait! Let me in on the festivities Sol: Sorry, not interested. You guys enjoy each other's company Anji: Even Justice feared my powers...Still not interested? Sol:...! Baiken: Shut your trap! You're starting to get on my nerves. I'll kick all of your butts right now! Axl: Whoa!...Damn it...is this a bad time? Baiken: Eavesdropping, are we? I'm not impressed! Axl: I just wanted to ask chief something Sol: And even you. Why does everyone want to stick their noses in other people's business! Axl: No worries, chief! Just a quick bout, no hard feelings! Sol: I'm not responsible for what happens.

Axl: Huh? You can still speak? Gig: Grr... Axl: Man, what am I gonna do? Gig: Grrgh! Axl: Sorry dude, it's not my time yet.

Gig: Grr....grr... Axl: Phew! Hey, man. Haven't you had enough? Gig: Grr... Axl: I think that should be enough....what? This sensation!!! That Man: It is not yet the time for you to find out the truth. When the time comes you will find out. Whether you like it or not! Axl: Who are you? That Man: We shall part for a short time. Time traveler. Axl:...Ahhhgh!

Axl: What period is this? Looks like a messy period in time. Oh well, things will work out. Since getting rattled isn't my style!

[stayextrafrosty]

Starting Now

Request: (So this was like three asks long so this is a summary) Reader is new to the Fall Out Boy stage crew and travels with them. They stop near her hometown for a concert and her parents want to come see her. She doesn’t say much about it and leaves Patrick, who she’s gotten close to, confused about why she didn’t invite him when they go to dinner. Misunderstandings and fluff.

Warnings: none

Words: 4559

Masterlist

-

“Alright people let’s go! We don’t have time for chit chatting. This stuff was supposed to be packed before they went on.” Our manager barked orders at everyone he walked past. I suppose I understood but maybe we’d work better without the yelling.

I kept my head down as I passed him, pushing a cart with some of the speakers from the set. Please don’t say anything. Please don’t say anything. Please don’t—

“The new girl is the only one working. Maybe I should give her your jobs instead.” I hurried as much as I could with a couple hundred pounds of equipment. Him saying that was just as bad as being scolded. Most of the other stage crew didn’t like me. Probably because I was able to get in good with the artists themselves. Fall Out Boy.

I helped load the speakers into the bus. I began to jog back inside to help with more stuff, but I was yanked another direction. I opened my mouth to scream but I met a pair of brown eyes and a mischievous grin. Pete. He held a finger to his lips and pulled me to his nearby bus. I rolled my eyes but didn’t fight much.

“Pete, I can’t keep disappearing. This is my job you know, I can be fired.” Pete just shrugged as he stepped onto the bus.

“It wasn’t my idea this time.” I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Pete.” Patrick rubbed the back of his neck and averted his eyes from me.

“Hey, I never specified who it was,” Pete said. He blushed but smiled at me none the less. I chuckled at their banter.

“It’s ok, Patrick. I like you too.” I plopped myself down into the seat across from him.

It was half a joke. I really did like him. I’m pretty sure that he flirts with me, but I can never be sure. Or rather, Pete flirts for him. Patrick gets embarrassed and then scolds Pete. I laugh and reassure Patrick that I like him. But nothing really comes of it.

“Alright, I’m gunna go hang with Joe and Andy. Don’t have too much fun kids.” Pete’s laughter followed him back out the door.

“Sorry about that. He’s a bit—” I rolled my eyes at Patrick and held up my hand.

“You don’t need to apologize every time Pete drags me back here. Believe it or not, I like hanging out with you guys. Even though I’m amazed I haven’t been fired yet.” He laughed awkwardly. I’ve been trying to break him of the constantly apologizing habit.

“So, what’s up, Trick? Did you need to talk to me,” I asked, resting my head in my hand.

“Oh, nothing really. Just wanted to talk I guess. I know we’re coming up to a show close to where you grew up. I just wanted to ask if you—” His rambling got cut off by my phone ringtone. I pulled it out of my pocket. I froze at the caller id.

Devil Boss

This was the first time he called me. I let it ring twice more before realizing I needed to pick it up. I jumped up from the seat and pressed the green button. I braced myself as I placed the phone next to my ear.

“hell—”

“Where the fuck are you? I’ve been looking the other direction for weeks now, but this is it! If you keep skipping out on your job, I will fire you.”

“I’m sorry, sir. Won’t happen again.”

“I should just get rid of you now. Why am I even bothering with a final warning? Just because you’re all buddy buddy with the band doesn’t mean I can’t have you kicked out.”

“I understand, sir.” The line went dead. I ran a hand through my hair. Patrick raised an eyebrow at me.

“I gotta go. I’ve skipped out on my actual job too much. If I do this again, I’ll be fired. I’ll see you later, Trick.” I gave him a small wave before turning away.

“You could just quit.” I stopped at the door. “You don’t have to work. Just travel with us.”

I faced him again. A light blush dusted his cheeks, his hands stuffed in his pockets. Patrick met my eyes for a moment. As much as I wish I could, I needed the money. It was just a bonus that I got to travel around with a world-famous band.

“I appreciate the thought. But I can’t afford to just travel around with you guys.” I smiled sadly at him. He stepped toward me.

“Money wouldn’t be an issue. We would let you have the extra bed on the bus.” I chuckled.

“You guys would get sick of me.”

“I could never get sick of you, (Y/N).” Patrick stood directly in front of me now. Heat rose to my cheeks. I couldn’t hold his gaze and looked toward the door.

“I have to go. I don’t wanna get fired,” I mumbled. I couldn’t seem to make my feet move away from him. His face moved close to mine. We were about the same height, but I felt so small next to him. It wasn’t that I didn’t want this. I just never thought he would be the one to make the first move. It was intimidating.

My eyes closed but the kiss never came. At least not where I was expecting. His lips pressed against my head. Somehow that meant more than anything else he could have done.

“Just think about it.” I could only nod in response. He cleared his throat. “You should get going. I know how the stage manager can get.”

“Uh, yea.” I hurried out of the bus. It probably seemed like I was running away from him. I’ll have to talk to him later.

-

That’s what I thought. But it turns out my devil of a manager really had it out for me now. I understood. I shouldn’t have let Pete pull me away all those times. I knew that, but I let him do it anyway.

I’ve had hardly any time to interact with the guys the last few shows. Especially not enough time to have any sort of serious conversation about feelings and couple status. I’d been running around constantly. I was more like the stage manager’s assistant. He had me getting coffee and organizing the set.

I suppose I was doing more than I had been expected to originally. The other workers still seemed to hate me. I think I heard one of them saying how I was doing exactly what they needed for their class experience. Trust me, I’d let them have it if I could.

Of course, I had considered Patrick’s offer but me getting to travel with them for free didn’t change the fact that I needed money for my own classes. I crashed on one of the sofas in the backstage area. The rest of the crew went to get ice cream or coffee or something. But with tomorrow being close to the place I grew up, I needed to call my parents. It’s been a month since I’ve been home, and it would be another before I came back.

The phone rang a few times before my mother’s excited voice filtered through the speaker. I loved her but sometimes she was a bit much.

“Hey there, baby! Tell me, how’s the job? Are they working you to the bone? Who’s the band you’re setting up for? Meet anyone famous?” I chuckled.

“Chill, Mom. I can answer all that stuff at dinner if you’d like.”

“That would be amazing sweetie! And it’s on us so don’t worry about anything.” I rolled my eyes.

“Ok. Where did you want to go?” I heard the door click open behind me. Were the other crew back already?

“Oh, how about that nice Cajun place you like so much?”

“Mom you don’t need to go that far. I’d be fine with pizza.”

“Nonsense, (Y/N). See you tomorrow at 1.”

“Wait, Mom—” The line went dead. I sighed and pulled myself up from the couch. She had a one-track mind sometimes.

“Where are you running off to?” I jumped at Patrick’s voice.

“Christ, Trick! You scared me! I thought you were just part of the crew or something.” I ran a hand over my face. My heart pounded from the surprise, but it wasn’t slowing down anytime soon. He chuckled slightly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.” My phone buzzed with a text from the manager. I sighed. Break over I guess.

“Sorry, gotta run. I’m just going to see my parents since I’m passing through town.” I pushed past him, but he grabbed my arm.

“Have you given any thought to my offer?” I turned to face him.

“I have. But it goes a lot farther than just the summer. I need the money for school.” He nodded in understanding. I went to pull my arm away, but he held on.

“Let me take you out sometime. On a date.” A blush covered his cheeks. I smiled at him and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

“I’d like that a lot.” My phone buzzed again. “Ok, well I have to go. See you later, Patrick.” He smiled and released me, shoving his hands in his pockets. I hurried out of the room to meet with the manager.

“I texted you like ten minutes ago. Watch yourself,” he scolded me as I jogged up.

“Sorry,” I mumbled. I started moving the stereo systems to the stage for the show. It was boring and difficult work, but my mind always drifted to Patrick. Then I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.

-

The manager was not happy when I reminded him that I requested this day off. But he approved it before we left so there was nothing he could do. I pulled on my favorite dress. Normally, I didn’t care for dresses that much, but this was comfortable and was long enough that I didn’t have to worry much about bending over.

My mother texted me at least seven times already today just saying how excited she was. At one point she made a joke about bringing the artist I was working with. I thought about it for a moment. What it would be like to bring Patrick with me? I laughed. My mom would probably pass out.

I wouldn’t make Patrick do something like that. Not yet at least. I’ll wait to see if this goes anywhere past the first date. I hurried out the door and almost ran smack into Patrick.

“Woah. Slow down there.” He grabbed my arms to steady me and raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, sorry. I gotta go. I’ll see you later, alright?” Not that I was running late or anything, but my mother tended to be places super early. He let me go and I rushed off again.

-

Patrick POV

What just happened? I came to see where she wanted me to take her for dinner but it’s like I didn’t even exist. I watched her rush off toward the elevator. She looked stunning in the dress. But then again, she looked good in everything.

I began the slow walk back to the bus. Maybe I was overthinking the whole thing. What if she just said yes to a date to be nice? It wouldn’t be the first time girls had done that to me. But why was she all dressed up in the first place?

“Come on, Patrick. You’re acting like an overprotective weirdo,” I mumbled to myself. Yet here I was, still racking my brain trying to figure out where she could have gone.

By the time I made it back to the bus, I still had no idea. My face must have shown confusion for Pete to start making fun of me.

“Hey, dude. Why so upset? Didn’t you see how good your girl looked?” I shoved him as I walked past.

“She’s not my girl. And how would you know what she looked like? Did she come over here?” Pete chuckled.

“Sounding a bit like a defensive boyfriend there, Trick. And no. She didn’t. I just saw her heading toward the parking lot.” I felt my brow furrow. “Aren’t we near her hometown this show or something?”

I smacked my forehead. Not hard but maybe I should have. I can’t believe I forgot. She mentioned it briefly yesterday. She’s going to see her parents. I assume she’ll be back before the show. I wonder why she didn’t invite me?

No, she was just being respectful of me needing to be here for the show. She would have if she could have. Or maybe she’s just embarrassed. I don’t know how her parents are around guys. I mean, I know I’m not good enough for her but I’ve gotta try.

“Dude chill. I’m sure she won’t fault you for forgetting,” Pete said.

“Yea…”

-

Your POV

I had never been here for lunch before. I’m sure it was just as good as dinner, but I usually try to figure out what I want ahead of time. It cuts down on the anxiety. They didn’t seem to put their menu online anymore.

The cab dropped me off in front of the door. I didn’t see my parent’s car as we drove up so maybe I had beat them for once. I pushed the door open and looked around for the host. I caught sight of the deep auburn that was my mother’s hair. I should have known better.

“Hey there,” I said as I walked up to their table. My mother’s face lit up as she bounced from her seat.

“(Y/N)! Sweetie, it’s been so long,” she squealed. I laughed as she pulled me into a hug. Sometimes I wonder if she ever got out of that middle school “freak out” mindset.

“It’s only been a month, mom,” I said, hugging her back. She was so much shorter than me I’m sure people confused her for my younger sister. She was beyond beautiful and sometimes I wondered why I didn’t take after her more.

“She knows that. She’s just going through the ‘empty nest’ thing again.” My father pats my mother on the back, making her let go. We all sat down and put in our drink orders.

“I didn’t see your car when I pulled up. How’d you get here,” I asked?

“Oh, we decided to get a new car! Your father got a nice bonus and we just decided it was time. That old minivan wasn’t safe anymore.” I chuckled.

“It wasn’t safe four years ago.” My parents rolled their eyes at me.

“Your mother tells me that you’re close to the band you work for?” I raised an eyebrow at my mother. She sipped her margarita innocently. Where did she get this stuff?

“I never told her that.”

“But you don’t deny it. Why didn’t you bring one of them along? We’d love to meet them.” I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.

“We haven’t even been on a date! I wasn’t going to bring him along. Besides, he has a show tonight.”

“But there is a guy then,” my father inquired? Fuck. I didn’t mean to let that slip.

“Not fair. You teamed up on me!” The both waited expectantly.

“Wait, tonight? The only show going on near here tonight is that big band! What were they called, the boys that fall? Or something. They said it on the radio this morning.” I burst out laughing at my mothers’ butchering of the name.

“Yes, mom. It’s Fall Out Boy.” She clapped her hands together like a child.

“So, which one is it that has you smitten?” Sometimes I wished we could talk about something other than my love life, but I understood. They were good parents. Supported me in everything, even when I told them I had a crush on a girl.

“Lay off the poor girl. She doesn’t need you grilling her about her personal life. Just make sure he treats you right, ok?” I smiled at my father, thankful.

We put in our food orders and my father tried to keep my mother in line. And away from the topic of Patrick. My mother was playing around on her phone and I’m sure she was looking up pictures. I had let his name slip in hopes she would drop the subject.

“Oh, darling he’s so cute!” I groaned. I’m so happy I didn’t bring him along.

“Mom. Chill. Come to the show tonight or something. I could probably get you backstage to meet them.” I have no idea if I actually can but maybe it would be just enough to stop the line of questions.

“Oh, that’d be lovely sweetie! We’ll buy some tickets right after we finish here.” Thankfully, that put an end to the discussion for the most part. I was able to grill them about their jobs and what not. The hard part would be getting them backstage. I don’t think I have jurisdiction over that.

-

I wandered back to the busses. I tried to keep my head down and away from fans who were scouting the area. The rest of the crew was presumably, already inside. I heard the door to the bus open. Thankfully, the guys and girls had different busses. I pulled my zipper partially down my back before I heard a throat clearing. I spun to face the clearly male sounding voice.

Patrick was turned away from me, a deep blush covering his cheeks. I stuttered and scrambled to pull my zipper back up, but I couldn’t reach it.

“Seriously,” I muttered to myself. He didn’t walk in on me half naked or anything. Everything was covered but I was still embarrassed. This is what I get for feeling too comfortable in this bus. “Can you, uh, zip me back up?” His eyes darted back to me. I could only hold his gaze for a moment. “I can’t reach it,” I explained. Patrick nodded awkwardly.

“Uh, yea. Turn around.” I did and a moment later his fingers brush my back as he pulled up the zipper. God, this was a mess. I turned and smiled at him, trying to act like that wasn’t the most awkward moment ever.

“So, what did you need?” He shrugs a bit.

“I guess just wondering why you didn’t want me to meet your parents?” I chuckled. Oh, so that was it? He was sweet.

“Well it would’ve been pretty embarrassing.” His face dropped but quickly turned blank.

“So, you were running from me earlier? You know, you don’t have to pity me. A simple ‘no, thanks’ would have worked earlier.” I raised an eyebrow. What on earth was he talking about? I opened my mouth to question but he was already turning around. “I’ll see you later, (Y/N).”

I stood frozen as he stepped off the bus. Now hold the fuck up. I darted after him. No way in hell was I letting this misunderstanding fester. I called after him, but I couldn’t be too loud because of nearby fans.

“Trick!” I looked around and I didn’t seem to attract any attention. He slowed his walking pace and allowed me to catch up to him. He refused to look me in the eye. “Want to explain to me why you think I don’t like you?”

“Well apparently I’m embarrassing.” I rolled my eyes and ran a hand down my face.

“First of all,” I started. “I meant my parents were embarrassing. Second, I was running late for lunch earlier. Third, I actually really like you.” I crossed my arms. He was actually dumb sometimes. Maybe dense is the more accurate word. Pink dusted his cheeks and he scratched the back of his head.

“Um, I’m sorry.” I rolled my eyes and stepped toward him.

“Let’s try not to jump to conclusions from now on.” He nodded in understanding. I hugged him in reassurance. His kissed the top of my head. I wonder if he’ll actually kiss me at any point. An idea crossed my mind and I knew exactly how to make this up to him.

“Hey, can I ask you a favor?” He tilted his head in curiosity.

“Sure. Anything for you.”

“I invited my parents to the show tonight. Would there be any way to get them back stage to meet you guys?” His eyes sparkled.

“Of course. Just leave it to me. Bring them to the back entrance before the show. I’ll meet you there,” he said, trying to contain the excitement. I giggled. He was so cheesy and the cutest person ever.

“You’re the best. Thank you. Fair warning, my parents are embarrassing. Mostly my mother.” He grinned.

“I’m sure it won’t be that bad,” he said.

“Oh, it could be very bad. I promise,” I half joked.

-

I hadn’t been nervous for a concert for a while. But I was today, and it wasn’t even because of the concert. I was waiting outside the venue in my black jeans and t-shirt. Usual work clothes even though I wouldn’t be working.

I stood by a statue of some sports player near the entrance gate. Fans milled about happily. I checked my watch. My mom should be bouncing up to me any second with my father in tow. She said something about being able to dress the part, but I wasn’t quite sure what she meant.

I was scrolling through my phone when someone tapped my shoulder. I glanced up the person wearing black converse, black skinny jeans and a red t-shirt. She wore thick eyeliner, but it looked really good. I froze for a moment. My father stood behind my mother looking very much like a guy dragged by his kid or in this case, and over enthusiastic wife.

“Mom. What in the world?” I laughed but not because she looked bad. She was stunning as usual, but this was not a look I was used to.

“I told you I would look the part!” She smiled and hugged me. I laughed as I wrapped my arms around her.

“You’re crazy.” I brought them around to where the busses were. There were some fans back here, but I know the guys went into the venue at least an hour ago. I knocked on the back door. Waited. Knocked again. Usually they had someone standing at the door. I checked my phone and texted Patrick that I was waiting. A couple minutes passed before my phone buzzed.

Sorry! Three minutes! I’m coming!

I rolled my eyes. He was always late. I suppose he could have been coming back from sound check.

“What are we waiting for again,” my father asked? It was sort of sarcastic but also not.

“We are waiting for Patrick to come open the door because apparently the guard that’s supposed to be here is taking a bathroom break or something.” Theoretically I could have gotten in through the stage crew entrance but no one except the stage crew was allowed back there.

I heard the handle of the door jiggle from the other side. I stepped back so I wouldn’t get hit once Patrick pushed the door open. He smiled brightly at us as he held it.

“Sorry about that. Had to get away from our manager. He’s not exactly in favor of us just wandering off.” I chuckled and invited my parents in. The door closed loudly behind them. “Follow me.” My mom came up to my side.

“He’s even cuter in person,” she whispered in my ear. I blushed because I knew how well sound traveled in these places. Patrick didn’t seem to react, but I thought I saw him smile briefly. The walk to the back room was short. Pete sat on the couch playing some game while Joe and Andy tried to mess him up.

“Hey guys, visitors,” Patrick called loudly. I snickered at the weirdness of it. Joe made loud sound of confusion that resembled a ‘huh?’

“Just me guys. And I brought my parents along. Sorry for short notice.” The other three guys all turned at the same time. Surprise covered their faces. Patrick laced his fingers through mine and squeezed. Pete of course was the first to notice.

“Oh, so you finally asked her out? Took ya long enough!” My felt my face heat up.

“Seriously? You had to do that right now,” Patrick mumbled. I heard my mother giggle from behind us.

“So, there was a mutual longing? How cute,” she gushed.

“Mom,” I warned. I tossed an evil glance in her direction, but she just grinned at me. Honestly, how old was she?

“Anyway,” I started. “This is Pete, Joe, and Andy.” I gestured to each of them as their names came up. They exchanged pleasantries. Surprisingly, all three of them stood to shake my father’s hand. He seemed taken aback by their forwardness. I chuckled at him as he shook hands awkwardly.

Patrick followed after the other guys. He seemed nervous. My dad was a rather large man, but he was an even bigger softie. He was never mean to anyone that I brought home or said I was going out with.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” My father glared at Patrick, but I could see the small grin on his face. Just because he was never mean, doesn’t mean he didn’t like to freak them out. Especially the guys.

“You just be good to her. Got it?” Patrick cleared his throat and nodded quickly.

“Yes, sir. I promise.” A full smile broke out on my father’s face as he slapped Patrick on the back. I giggled at his confusion.

“Awesome. Have a great show tonight guys! Let’s go find our seats, dear.” The confusion spread to her face as he began to drag her along. I checked my watch. They were letting people in now, but the show didn’t start for another hour or so.

“Wait, I have questions! Why do you always ruin my fun?”

“Because even though our daughter knows you love her, let’s not embarrass her on the first day of the relationship.” She rolled her eyes but let him pull her along. I hoped to have a love like theirs one day.

“Wait for me! I’ll walk you out,” I called as the door clicked shut behind them.

“Right. Well we’re going to go back to playing games while you guys talk about that awkward experience. We totally won’t be eavesdropping,” Pete said. He plopped himself back in front of the screen. I watched Andy roll his eyes and Joe stuck some headphones in. Clearly Pete was the only one eavesdropping.

“(Y/N), I’m sorry again for earlier. But hey. According to you that could have gone worse. I’m only a little scared or your dad.” I laughed and took his hand.

“Well he likes you. So, don’t worry about it. Besides, they have plenty of time to be embarrassing.” He smiled at me. I leaned into him and pecked his lips. Pink dusted his cheeks, but he still smiled.

“Awww,” I heard Pete fake swoon. Patrick and I rolled our eyes.

[man-i-dont-know]

BNHA Chapter 168: Thoughts and Spoilers

This chapter frustrated me so let’s get straight into it.

I wanna start with saying that this chapter blind sided me so hard that I want to revoke every theory I presented last week about Aoyama, but, on the other hand, I was blind sided so hard that I understand less arguably. So I suppose I won’t revoke any of my previous theories, but I don’t have any particular faith in them any more after this chapter.

Deku saw Aoyama on his veranda, and was thoroughly spooked. I would be too. Aoyama left a serial-killer-esque letter composed of different cheeses for Deku to find that read “I know.” The school day proceeds fairly normally except Aoyama winks at Deku when class first starts and the narrator takes over for a while (aka future number 1 hero Deku). Class 1-A is let out so they can do their hero course work and we see some light-hearted chit chat. Kaminari makes a comment that recently pro heroes are getting into hero groups and working as a team. This comment could have been thrown in for the sake of the readers, so we can better understand the “political climate” of the hero world. With the symbol of peace gone, heroes working in groups would feel safe, though I imagine they would have lost some mobility, so small crimes may be easier to get away with.

Everyone goes into the gym and starts working on their super moves and their hero skills. Kirishima just wants people to kick the crap outta him, calling out Satou, Bakugou, and Deku specifically. Deku declines and as Bakugou goes to fight Kirishima, Bakugou asks if Deku has improved at all. I think this is interesting cause Bakugou is the one checking, not Deku telling. After the whole raid arc, Bakugou must have been curious, and I think that Deku is selling himself short. Even if his skills did not increase, his experience and knowledge did. Something I have been thinking about recently is how Bakugou has quite a bit less experience with combat than Deku. Deku has fought Todoroki all out, Stain, Muscular, and now Chisaki. Deku also came up with the rescue plan to get Bakugou away from the League of Villains (not the plan to do it, but the plan to jump out of hiding and grab him and leave). Bakugou on the other hand has fought a half-hearted Todoroki, fended off some henchmen that were “weak” from the USJ envasion, partolled with Best Jeanist, fought Moonfish (I think his name was) with Todoroki and I believe some other type of restriction, he was escorted through the camp site by his class mates, kidnapped and forced on the defensive instead of actually fighting, and hasn’t fought anyone since. IN sheer experience, Deku has the clear lead, not only in combat, but also coming up with a plan and executing it in a high tension situation. The whole point of that was Bakugou was checking on Deku, I don’t think there was any care there, but Bakugou tried to trust Deku by giving an honest answer, which Deku did not actually do, at least not in Bakugou’s eyes. Recently I heard a conversation that bullies are dependent on the people they bully, but I don’t see Bakugou as dependent on Deku, Bakugou feels threatened by Deku and that is the reason why he acts the way he does. This simple check in was just Bakugou trying to see Deku’s side of things, while still containing that competitive edge to it.

Anyway, Deku says he won’t beat up Kirishima, and makes eye contact with Aoyama, who tells him to look, and laser-blasts a lot of rocks (I’d like to add that the first rock he lasers while making direct eye contact with Deku. Aoyama is an enigma cause as soon as I assume something, he goes and surprises me). After he blasts the rocks, he writes a french phrase in one of the rocks that says “still water runs deep” (at least that is what I have read from others talking about this panel). Some people have taken this phrase as a warning, as some kind of deeper message. Aoyama doubles over cause his quirk hurts his stomach and Deku helps him over to the side. Once there, Deku directly asks Aoyama what that cheese message meant. Aoyama says that they are the same, and that their quirks don’t fit their bodies. Deku would break in the the early arcs whenever he used his quirk and Aoyama says that when he was a kid his laser power would leak and cause problems without the belt. Deku visibly relaxes and says that the cheese surprise Aoyama left was a huge success, This next panel bothers me because Aoyama does not react happily to this, he hardly reacts at all. He seemed more depressed than anything, which could lead to more theories, but I’ll only briefly talk about those later. Aoyama then craps his pants. That is canon.

Fast forward a day or two and Aoyama and Deku have become friends, Mina and Kaminari made remarks between each other that Aoyama has visibly perked up or have become more lively. Even the narrator (future Deku) says that they became friends. Future Deku needs to stop being an unreliable narrator. “Long internship” “True colors” geez man, does Aoyama’s dramatics rub off on Deku in the future? (I will admit, I like the idea that Deku becomes a character with a lot of connections to very different types of people who he is all friends with. A space/gravity hero? Yep. Frog hero? Yep. Blasty hero? Yep. Hero with engine legs? Yep. Sparkle hero? Yep. This also extends to future generations of heroes or even people who are police officers or other oddly connected groups)

Alright, so I am gonna discuss some theories, but they aren’t mine, just stuff I’ve read (this first one was from a post I read by redhairedanne, sorry I don’t really know how to give proper credit). Aoyama is a spy. He is the “counter-traitor” that has been keeping an eye on the students to try to figure out the real traitor. I like this, because the last two chapters have put a really strange emphasis on Aoyama and I think that he must have some kinda role in the story, also the really weird french phrase has been interpreted as being mistrustful of someone. There have also been theories that Aoyama is just that he is excruciatingly awkward and this was the only real way he could start a conversation. There were probably others, but the traitor theories were gone into pretty deeply last week by me and others. so here are my last comments, aka, things we know for certain about Aoyama: he is really observant, he has had several panels and now full chapters that cast some sort of suspicion on his person, he tried to foil the Bakugou kidnapping at camp, he has very few friends (possibly only Deku as his only friend), he is really committed to his aesthetic, and he hasn’t taken initiative on hardly anything (the only times being at the hero license exam and at the camp, the first was a guerrilla attack and the second seemed self-sacrificing though he did get his license).

That’s all I’ve got to say, I am actually surprised this post is as long as it did because I was planning on just saying “oh jeez man I don’t know what’s happening at this point” then duck out. Well despite that, thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day.

((I am still fairly new to tumblr, so if there is any etiquette I am missing out on, whether it is sourcing things, tags, whatever that submission thing is in my options menu is, please let me know. I’d appreciate it. Ok. That’s it for real. Have a good one.))

[belladonnaandulriched]

amped and wired, part two | chapter fifteen: you’ll only make it worse

“I can't believe that pack of sliced wife meat is gone.”

Lars and I scrambled to get dressed and out the door given little snow flurries came down upon us. He seemed more fixated on that whole thing than the actual fact that Scott had gone missing. I put on my coat and tugged my hood over my head; I searched through my pockets for my gloves and my key.

“What're you looking for?” he asked me.

“Things for my hands and the thing to lock the door.”

“Just keep your hands in your pockets and we will be back soon enough.”

“And risk gettin' robbed? I don't think so. And by the way, don't mention it to Mrs. Hamilton, though, aight?”

“Mention what?”

“The chunky pastrami.”

“Sliced wife meat,” he corrected me.

“Whatever. Just don't mention it to her 'cause the last thing I want is to have her be on both our asses for losing a thing of meat—oh, here are my keys.”

I took the ring out of my coat pocket, and underneath that I felt a piece of paper, but that was least of my concern at that moment. I then led Lars out to the icy cold sidewalk. I locked the door and my hands immediately shook from the bitter lake effect snow. I stuffed the key back into my pocket and Lars and I walked down to Mrs. Hamilton's ride, which I could tell was Cindy's car once again.

“Shotfun,” Lars said aloud.

“Shotgun, you mean,” I replied.

“Right.”

I climbed into the back seat behind him and a concerned Mrs. Hamilton. Once Lars shut the door behind him, we rolled towards the street. I almost had no time to put on my seat belt, either.

“We just woke up earlier and Charlie noticed he was missing,” she said without hesitating. “Looked high and low for him and everything.”

“Where do you think he could have gone?” Lars asked her.

“No idea. Doubt he went back to that junkyard, too—too far of a walk and there's no reason to given the prototype is with us.”

“How's she doing by the way?” I said once I was buckled in.

“Maya?” Mrs. Hamilton peered up in the rear view mirror at me.

“Yeah.”

“She didn't really sleep all too well last night. Probably because she's so starved and emeciated—she was up a lot last night according to Danny.”

“Wow,” I muttered under my breath. I leaned back and put one arm upon the top of the seat.

“Is she at least eating anything?” Lars asked her.

“That's the other thing, too—she barely eats. I gave her a saltine cracker before we went to bed last night and she ate it slowly. I gave her two more this morning and she ate those, too. But she grimaces at the mention of eating any kind of meat and she sympathizes with all of you boys in that you're not very well known.” Mrs. Hamilton peered into the mirror at me.

“She wants to hear you sing again, Joey.”

“Oh yeah?” I flashed her a grin.

“Yeah. She described your voice as 'sweet' and 'simultaneously earth shaking.' She wants to hear you when you get a chance, Joey.”

I nodded my head and peered out the window at the flurries coming down. I never moved from my spot as we neared Black Orchid; Mrs. Hamilton parked outside of the front door and the three of us filed up the walkway. She held the door for Lars and me and we ducked inside to see Frankie, Charlie, Danny, Cindy, Gwen, and Louise all congregated around the strip chess table. All of them had looks of concern on their faces.

I tugged the hood down from my head and sighed through my nose. I could only wonder what had happened here while Lars and I were sleeping.

“Alright, let's get down to brass tacks,” he started, “who was the last to fall asleep last night?”

“Me,” Danny raised his hand. “And Scott was asleep once I did, too.”

“You don't think it has anything to do with that warehouse we found down in New York City, do you,” Frankie wondered aloud.

I thought about that particular pack of meat under the bed upstairs, and I wondered if it all had anything to do with that one Lars had in his coat all that time. It all just made sense to me, especially once I thought about everything he had said about his wife and why he did what he did, but then again, I told him to not mention it to Mrs. Hamilton so I couldn't mention it to them. But it also made sense: wherever we found Scott, we could uncover something more about Candace and Maya.

I was about to say something about that when Lars beat me to the punch.

“I have no doubt about it, but I also do.”

“Why?” asked Charlie; he then patted his chest.

“You okay?” I asked him.

“Yeah. I've had heartburn all night.”

Yeah, it definitely had to do with that damn container Lars had in his coat.

“Anyways, I wonder why it even would have anything to do with that warehouse. It was a place where things were put to pasture.”

It had everything to do with that warehouse: he was either covering his own neck or he missed something about his wife that he didn't catch before he choked her and then diced her up into literal lunch meat.

“By the way, there's one thing that keeps bothering me, Lars,” Frankie spoke up, “is how'd you know that warehouse was where clones were being made?”

I turned to look at Lars, whose mouth hung open but no sound came out. We got him then.

“Well, enough chit chat, gang,” Mrs. Hamilton scoffed as she breezed past the two of us. “We have to find Scott before something bad happens. Or before we're stuck here because it's snowing outside. We're a big group and yet I can only do so much on my end.” She hesitated behind the bar and set her hands on top of that polished wood. I crammed my hands into my coat pockets. I felt my keys and that one piece of paper there at the bottom. I fondled around with two fingers and got hold of it.

And then I remembered what it was.

“There is—someone we can call up,” I pointed out as I took the piece of paper out of my pocket.

“Who?” Mrs. Hamilton asked me.

“Where's the phone in here?”

“Right here behind the bar.” I ambled towards her and rounded the bar: I spotted that phone underneath her hips. She stepped out of the way for me, and yet she stood next to me as I picked the receiver. I dialed that number and brought the earpiece to the side of my head. It rang just once—

“Hello?”

“Angeline, hi. It's Joey.”

“Oh, hi—” She cleared her throat.

“I was wondering about you boys, like—when one of you would hit me up,” she said; her voice sounded congested, like she had a cold. “Things have been—ungodly slow lately. What's going on?”

“Scott—kinda sorta went missing.”

“Kinda sorta?” I could hear her chuckle at that.

“I mean, yes. Yeah. Scott went missing.”

There was a click on her end. “Hang on a second, Joey—”

Her side went silent. I looked up at all of them in the room before me, all of them still and completely silent. I kept the phone up to my ear for a second. I listened to complete silence for a second before I set the receiver back down. I kept my hand over the handle part of the phone and nibbled on my bottom lip.

The phone rang and I picked it back up to my ear.

“You know,” Angeline said with another clearing of her throat, “it's funny you mention that because—I got a lead just now telling me John Bush's gone missing, too.”

“No way,” I said with a glance up at Frankie, Charlie, Danny, and Lars.

“Yes way. They said that Bush and Ian were probably taken by the same person—at least I hope that's what it is. My hope is they're not in the heart of New York City. And when I say 'heart', I mean that quite literally.”

I swallowed because I flashed back on the other night when we found that one clone in the empty lot.

She coughed twice and cleared her throat again.

“Are you alright? You sound sick.”

“Literal 'heart' of New York City—it's having an effect on my head and my lungs a bit.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Yeah. So when you all come down that way, bring your masks because—because it's utterly ghastly.”

“Well, there's a bunch of us—y'know, it's me and Lars, and then Frankie, Charlie, and Danny, and then the girls at Black Orchid.”

“Well, I'm headed up in your direction, though,” she assured me, “up to Syracuse anyway. I have to start somewhere.”

“Want me to tell them 'bout it?” I asked her.

“Please do. You know you guys were more than helpful before.”

“By the way, Angeline, I should tell you—before he vanished into thin air, Scott found the prototype.”

“The prototype?”

“The original Maya. He found her in a junkyard.”

“Oh, my God. Is she—” She cleared her throat again. “—is she alright?”

“I hope so. When we found her, she was so weak, Scott and I both could pick her up and sling her over our shoulders. She ate some crackers so that's—that was sump'n, y'know?”

“Okay. Let's meet up in Syracuse. The same coffee shop where we met before. I'm on my way.”

“Okay—” She and I hung up at the same time, and I turned to Mrs. Hamilton.

“Angeline wants to meet up at the coffee shop we had breakfast the other day,” I told her.

“Did she say where she is right now?”

“No, but I doubt she'll get there before us since she works in the City.”

“Okay.” Mrs. Hamilton turned to Cindy and Gwen. “Someone's gotta stay here because she could die. Granted, she's probably going to die anyways—but someone has to stay here and watch over her.”

“My car also can't fit that many people in it, either,” Cindy pointed out.

“And my car is toast, too,” Mrs. Hamilton added, and then she turned to Gwen. “Your truck can fit a bunch of people in it.”

“The five of us plus you?” I asked her.

“It won't be very comfortable, though,” said Gwen. “One of you guys have to your beautiful crotches hit by the stick shift.”

“I ain't sittin' sideways, either,” I grumbled.

“Flip a coin?” Frankie offered.

Lars looked back at me with his eyes wide.

“I will have my balls crushed,” he offered.

“We're all gonna have our balls crushed, though, now that I think 'bout it,” I told him. “Before we go, I wanna—” I gestured to the hallway on the other side of the room, right behind them.

“Go see her,” Mrs. Hamilton coaxed me with a pat of my upper back. She slid her hand down towards my hips for a second, and then I stepped away from her. I passed the table and entered the dim hallway. I ascended the stairs and I had a weird feeling overcome me. That feeling that I was about to walk right into the void.

I stepped into that room to find her laying on the bed closest to the door. They had covered her body with blankets: in the gray morning light, I could see the sheer gauntness of her face and her neck. Deep creases coated her eyelids and the corners of her mouth. She looked like how I felt when I received that phone call from Charlie.

“Maya?” I said to her. She opened her eyes to look at me with those yellowed eyes.

“Come closer to me,” her voice was light and airy but I could tell she didn't have a lot of time with her. I took one step forward and then another, and I loomed over her. I didn't like the feeling over me. It sucked. The whole thing sucked. I felt like I was standing over something awful rather than a girl who was dying.

“Joey?” she whispered to me; she brought a hand out from underneath the covers and gestured for me to come closer to her. I swallowed.

“Yes?” I bowed closer to her face: I made out the sight of seam lines all over her skin, like a patchwork of sorts. There was even a stripe across her nose that was a slightly different tone compared to the other parts of her face.

“I would rather die than let any more clones be made,” she confessed to me.

“I ain't killin' you,” I told her.

“No, no—that isn't what I want.”

I gazed on at her pale skin and those sickly eyes. Amazed she even made it through the night.

“I need your voice,” she whispered.

“You want me to sing to you?”

“Please. Sing me to sleep.”

I thought about what I could sing to her right then. The one song that had hung with me for years following when I first heard it in high school. I nibbled on my bottom lip and closed my eyes. It was something I had wanted to sing with Anthrax whenever we got the chance.

“Once I rose above the noise and confusion... just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion, I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high. Though my eyes could see, I still was a blind man, though my mind could think, I still was a mad man. I hear the voices when I'm dreaming...”

Her eyes closed again and I loomed in closer to her.

“I can hear them say, carry on, my wayward son. There'll be peace when you are done...”

She didn't move as I brought my voice to a whisper. “...lay your weary head to rest, don't you cry no more.”

She drifted off to sleep and that was my cue to return back downstairs. I doubled back out to the stairs and to the hallway, and the front room, where I was met with Mrs. Hamilton telling something to Cindy and Gwen.

“Is she asleep?” she asked me as she handed me a black protective mask for myself.

“Yep, went right to sleep,” I duly replied.

“She's not dead, is she?” Lars chimed in from behind them.

“Oh, no. No. Just went right to sleep.”

“Alright, let's get going,” Charlie declared as he patted his chest again. I took one last glimpse to Cindy, who blew me a kiss.

“Stay safe,” she said to me in a low voice.

“You, too,” I said back to her with a wink.

The bunch of us returned outside, where the snow had stopped which meant even more was coming. As we made our way to Gwen's truck parked around the corner, I looked down the block at the sight of something glimmering against the gray. It wasn't water or snow or anything like that. I recognized her hair and even from a distance I made the shape of a caduceus on her blouse. She vanished about as quickly as she emerged from thin air.

I didn't have time to ruminate on why Mrs. Snow appeared right then, especially given the fact I had to climb into the front passenger seat last before we went anywhere. Indeed, Lars was crammed right in between me and Mrs. Hamilton, but the stick shift came about an inch from the crotch of his jeans. My crotch felt sore just looking at it, though.

“Knee deep in blood and cum, let me tell you,” he muttered to me at one point. The snows came in right as we came within the outskirts of Syracuse. That blue neon lined the skyline and I blinked once, then twice, and neither time was it a sign of me missing it vanishing for a second before reappearing. I didn't understand that, as much as I figured out any of it.

Mrs. Hamilton took the next exit to that cafe we had had breakfast before, and I recognized Angeline outside the front door wrapped in a heavy winter coat.

When we climbed out, I was quick to put on my mask because she looked like death herself had rolled her over. Her face was washed out and the bags under her eyes were as dark blue as Frankie's jeans.

“Oh my God, Angeline, what the hell happened?” Mrs. Hamilton asked her, appalled.

“I'm really sick,” she said in a hoarse voice, “it's—whatever is overcoming New York right now.”

I turned to Lars, who gaped at me. I raised an eyebrow at him, to which he knitted his at me. I nodded at him, to which he shook his head.

“What are you doing?” he finally asked me.

“Don't mention the container,” I warned him in a low voice. “At least—not yet. Not when we're gettin' sump'n to eat.”

“Joey, the container has nothing to do with any of it—just going to tell you that right now.”

“Why'd Scott go missin' then?”

“No idea. But I know for a fact the container had nothing to do with it.”

***************

lyrics to carry on wayward son by kansas, which anthrax themselves covered in 2016!

[dc-imagine-central]

Alone

Prompt: A young justice team imagine. The reader is an outcast on the team because they don't trust her. They push her too far one day and realize they can't save her.

A/N: It took me a while to write this one, because I couldn’t find the correct approach, but now I do! I hope y’all enjoy!

Word Counter: 1410

No one trusted you and you trusted no one. That was the only sentence that could describe your relationship with the team.   

Truth was, you joined at the worst time possible. Everyone had issues with everyone, and of course you felt completely out of place. Like you did not belong. As you got back from the mission, everyone entered through the tubes, Conner just jealously looked at Lagoon Boy and Miss Martian, Cassie was just chatting with Tim and Jaime and Bart were just laughing and snorting at whatever they were talking about. You sighed and looked up from the floor, meeting Nightwing's gaze. You quickly avoided and stood a the edge of the row everyone formed, shoulder to shoulder.  

As Nightwing repeated the report of the mission and everyone was just paying attention, you heard a voice calling your name. As a reflex, you stood in pose and looked around, which startled everyone. 

 "Y/S/N, what's wrong?” Nightwing asked, and you just relaxed, which made everyone’s pose go back to the relaxed one. 

 “Must have been my imagination” You muttered and signaled Dick it was nothing. You heard everyone grunt in frustration, and you just eyed them from the corner. The voice was still talking, whispering your name in your ear, calling for you. After Nightwing dismissed everyone, you just went directly to your room, and laid in bed. You heard everyone’s chattering that was coming from outside. Once again, you heard the voice, and you closed your eyes. 

 Suddenly, something distracted you. A big tud on your door, it was not a knock, something had literally come and hit your door. You heard an angry grunt and you got up. As you opened the door, you saw a infuriated Superboy. You tilted your head in confusion, and Conner just stood there, gazing at the floor and lost in thought.

“Ehem.” You announced your presence and he just looked at you, confused. 

“Sorry, need anything?” He asked, trying to find out why were you standing in front of him. You scoffed, and chuckled, which just made his confusion greater.

“No, ha. You are standing outside of my room” You explained and he looked around. Hi eyes widened slightly at the realization and you chuckled again. 

“Sorry” He apologized and you smiled. “No biggie, it must be tough”You said, and waved goodbye. You closed the door, leaving a confused Conner outside, as you sat at the edge of your bed. You were just about to lay down when you heard a knock. Your brow furrowed in confusion as you got up once more. You opened the door again, and your eyes widened as you saw it was Conner again.   

“Sorry, need anything?” You smirked, leaning on the door. He chuckled and rubbed the nape of his neck. 

 “Wanna hang out?” He asked, shy smile on his face. You battered your eyelids a bit, you were sincerely surprised at his request, but you just shrugged and shut your door behind you.

You both left the Mount, as your small chit chat just kept on getting less and less awkward. You both exited through the tubes on to the dock. You were just having pleasant conversation about food and puppies, when the right side of  your head started pounding. 

  “Ah…” You grunted slightly, trying to suppress the pain. Conner noticed right away, and his brow furrowed in worry. “You ok?” He asked, placing on of his arms around your waist, while the other stood in position, ready to catch you if necessary. You frowned, and shook his arms off gently. You were completely capable of handle whatever that was. “Yeah, it’s nothing” You tried to smile, but it faded when you notice Conner’s eyes gaze at your nose, then everything became a blur and you faded. 

 Soon after that, Conner bursted into the Mount through the tubes, yelling as loud as he could. “HEY! EVERYONE!” He kept on yelling, and as everyone approached him, Cassie and M’gann gasped when he saw you were being carried by him, lying unconscious in his arms. “WHAT HAPPENED KON?!” Tim yelled, as him and Dick approached you both.

“I DON’T KNOW! SHE STARTED BLEEDING AND IN A MOMENT, SHE WAS ALREADY ON THE FLOOR!” He explained. You were pale, but bathed on the blood that was still flowing through your nose. Your body just gave up, so your head was just hanging, alongside all of your limbs. It appeared as if you were dead, and everyone was just terrified at the thought. Nightwing took you from Conner, and handing you to Bart, he ordered him to take you to your room. Shivers ran down Impulse’s spine as he realize you were just like a rag doll. “If I do that right now, I might just shatter her” He said, placing you gently on the ground. Your expression was stern, there was no pain imprinted on it, it almost seemed as if you were a porcelain doll. Megan just kneeled beneath you.   

“I think it might have been some kind of biological failure” Barbara explained, trying to keep the cool in between all the panic. Everyone panicked because nobody knew anything about you,you never talked about yourself and they never even bothered to ask. 

“No, that was not it” M’gann corrected. She placed her hand on your forehead and scanned your memory. She gasped when a spark electrified her whole body.   

“I’m going in” She announced and linked her own mind to yours. There, she found herself in the middle of a dark place, a small glimpse of light was visible in the distance. She hurried there, and saw you sitting facing the source of the light. Suddenly, a breeze flew and she realized she was standing at a hill with you, staring at a sunset. Suddenly, you stood up and turned to face her. “What are you doing here?” You asked her, and she just opened her mouth. Suddenly, the sky turned grey, and the wind was howling.   

“I-I came to get you back!” She stuttered again, for some reason she did not understood, you were blocking all of her powers, so she was defenseless.   

“No, now leave.” You said in a stern voice and everything just disappeared. You were both standing beneath a light bulb that was hanging from the ceiling.

“Please, Y/S/N” She pledge and the light started to flash. You chuckled, repressing a laugh, which just gave in a few moments later, ending with a mocking tone.   

“Ok, now I can confirm” You smirked “You guys don’t even know my name” You laughed again and M’gann's heart felt a sting of regret.   

“No, I told you to leave already” You said, turning your back on her. “What is happening to you?” She asked in a sad tone.   

“It’s a curse. I found out about it recently, but I couldn't do much to stop it anyway” You shrugged and M’gann felt a chilly wind blow.   

“Please, we are getting farther and farther very moment, just come back with us” She said and offered you her hand. You just turned to face her for a moment, and chuckled again.   

“Why would you guys want me back when you were the ones who pushed me this further away in the first place?” You whispered, and suddenly, M’gann felt a force that was pushing against her. Everything was dark for a moment, she felt like she was suffocating, while feelings of regret, sadness and loneliness filled her. Then she felt another force that was pulling her out. When she got back to her body, she saw her uncle was the one who pulled her out. She felt tears building in her eyes and running down her cheeks. She sobbed. Conner turned to hug her and she clinged to him.   

“S-… so alone…s-so sad” Her voice cracked and everyone felt her pain. Truth was Martian Manhunter pulled her out because everyone used their bond with her to get her out of the curse. They could have pulled you out too using that same strategy, but there was a problem, you had no bonds with anyone.   

“Her heart just stopped. She has no pulse anymore” Jaime said and silence felt. The Team was never the same after that day.

[artificialqueens]

Primary Care (a.k.a the Poundcake ficlet collection) 6/13 [Katya/Alaska] - Spoky

A/N old: If you have not read Ch.5, this chapter might not make a lot of sense in the end. Rupologies. You might want to make sure you know&remember how Ch.5 ended. Thank you for every like and feedback, you really make me feel amazing!! <3

Tw: rimming

Beta: apatheticskeleton, the hardest working girl I know.

A/N new: This was supposed to go up on later this week, as Ch.7 is not quite where I’d like it to be, but as evilqueenslaugh just spent 30 minutes teaching me how to fucking snapchat (and how to follow Katya on snapchat), I wanted to say thanks.

This one’s for evilqueenslaugh, I hope you like it. xx

Primary care   (a.k.a. the Poundcake ficlet collection)

Chapter 6/13 - ‘Come to Brazil’

‘Business or pleasure?’

‘Business. No! Pleasure.’

‘You don’t know whether you’re here for business or pleasure?’

‘No no, I definitely know. I’m here for pleasure. Normally it’s for business, so I said business, but it’s for pleasure. This time. Really.’

The immigration officer gave Brian a tired look and glanced back down to his passport. Brian cursed inside, he sometimes really just needed to shut the fuck up.

Arriving to Brazil with just a carry-on was probably not the most conventional of ideas, but as he was absolutely fucking insane, and only staying for two nights before heading back to the US, it should do.

Aaron had texted him to look for a red Toyota and instructed him to wait near the taxi queue. Apparently Needles had himself not only a fiancé, but also a PA in a very convenient and attractive package. Or that’s what Brian thought when Chad O’Connell waved at him from the only red car Brian could locate. He had met the man only once before, very briefly in some backstage, but it was apparently enough for the makeup artist to remember him.

‘Brian. Good to see you. How was the flight?’

‘No idea, thanks to Ambien,’ was Brian’s reply as he lifted his bag into the trunk.

Chad laughed politely, but Brian couldn’t tell whether the man actually found the joke funny.

‘Right then, I need to get some safety-pins, and maybe we should get you some food? The girls are already in the venue getting ready and the show starts in a couple of hours, so we don’t have a huge amount of time. I heard you got a room in a hotel couple of blocks away from ours?’

Brian nodded.

‘Are you fine checking-in after the show or do you want to go there first?’

Brian really wanted to take a shower but at the same time he didn’t want to be any more trouble than he evidently already had been.

‘No no, I can check-in after,’ he rushed to reply. Chad nodded, clearly pleased.

They stopped in two convenience stores on the way as the first one did not have safety-pins, and then drove straight to the club were Justin and Aaron were performing. When Chad pulled into the reserved parking slot and Brian saw a very familiar figure smoking at the door, he cursed silently. He had totally forgotten to check why exactly the men were in Rio.

‘Well well well, ain’t it the sluttiest crackwhore in town,’ came Ginger Minj’s greeting and Brian laughed.

‘Ribbit, ribbit,’ he replied as he walked to Ginger, hugged her and promptly took a long inhale from her cigarette.

‘God that was good!’

Ginger chuckled. ‘I’m surprised to see you here,’ she glanced to Chad who was unpacking the car. ‘But maybe I shouldn’t be?’

Brian shook his head slightly, ‘Long story.’

Ginger nodded and stumped her cigarette bud to the ground. ‘Well, let’s go then.’

Brian helped Chad with his bags and suddenly a feeling of uncertainty filled his stomach.

‘Aaron did tell Justin that he invited me, right?’

Chad glanced at him briefly. ‘I would assume so, but I don’t really keep tabs on their conversations.’

Brian swore colorfully. He had no idea whether Justin even knew that he was coming. What if he hated the idea? Why hadn’t he checked with Justin himself? He could only pray that Aaron had done the decent thing and his visit wouldn’t be a surprise to Justin, or that if it were a surprise, Justin would like it. He really had screwed this one up.

Chad opened the backstage door and with one glance Brian identified Adore, Jinkx and Roxxxy Andrews. On the other side of the room Sharon and Alaska were fixing their makeup, and Ginger pushed her way next to them to take a seat. Chad had walked to greet Sharon, and Brian didn’t really know what to do with himself.

‘Oh my god, Katya!!’ Roxxxy squealed then, and the entire room turned to look at him.

‘She brought Red Bull!’ Adore continued in the same high pitch and ran to Brian, who was examining the small bag Chad had given him to carry. There really seemed to be a can of Red Bull for everyone. Wow, Chad was thoughtful too, Sharon was lucky, Brian thought to himself, but was quickly interrupted by Adore, who was reaching into the bag. While she was pulling a can out Adore looked at Brian suspiciously, glanced quickly over her shoulder to Alaska and then smirked.

‘I’m taking two, I might need a back-up can later on,’ she declared cheekily and reached for another one.

‘Bitch,’ Brian laughed and walked around the room, giving everyone a Red Bull from the small plastic bag he was carrying. Ginger reached to the last can as Brian walked past her and Brian was left with no Red Bulls when he was faced with Alaska, the only girl in the room he hadn’t already provided with a can.

‘You didn’t save me anything?’ Alaska said sadly and peeked into the bag, pouting.

‘Oh no, I saved the best last,’ Brian said. He wasn’t entirely sure where the idea had come from right there and then, but it was perfect. ‘I brought you a bracelet,’ he continued and proceeded to squeeze and roll the plastic bag into a string. He then wrapped it around Alaska’s right wrist and tied it into a bow.

Alaska examined the trash around her wrist for a moment, ruffled it a bit and then smiled widely.

‘Oh! I love iiit!’ she drawled and presented everyone in the room her newest accessory.

Only Brian was able to catch Ginger’s guiet: ‘Disgusting,’ remark, which was clearly aimed at him. He knew exactly what Ginger meant. It really had not been planned as a romantic gesture, but that was exactly how it had come across. He chuckled. Making Alaska smile was the best feeling in the world, Brian thought to himself and had a feeling that he had heard something similar somewhere before.

‘So, Katya, you part of the show then?’ Roxxxy asked and Brian felt little lost. What was he supposed to say? No, I just came to Rio to take care of Alaska’s mental health, by fucking her brains out, you know, no biggie. Brian couldn’t resist the temptation. Didn’t the best jokes come out of half truths anyway?

‘Nah, I just came to see whether Alaska would suck me off again, it’s been pretty lonely in LA lately,’ Brian said with a straight face. The air in the room seemed to freeze and Brian could feel all eyes once again turning to him. Roxxxy was staring at him with her mouth slightly open, her expression spoke of utter disbelief that he had just said, what he had. Brian smirked before bursting into a howling laughter and the others joined him, some awkward, some confused, some clearly amused. Alaska’s laughter was the loudest, most genuine. She really got him.

‘No, truthfully speaking, Sharon invited me,’ Brian explained then and threw the ball to the Queen of Shadows. It was her idea in the first place, so she should have an explanation ready.

Sharon nodded and did not seem bothered by Brian’s tactic.

‘Yes, I find it extremely important to get to know all the queens who enjoy giving public sex performances in any shape or form, as I consider it part of my legacy,’ Sharon continued in the theme Brian had started: ‘And so I invited Miss Zamolodchikova to come and enjoy our lovely company,’ she explained, making everyone even more confused about why Brian was actually in Rio.

Roxxxy sighed in annoyance and turned back to her makeup, lifting her hands in surrender: ‘Geez, sorry for asking! Gotta get all defensive about it.’

Brian patted her shoulder appeasingly. Roxxxy rolled her eyes, but smiled nevertheless. The girls turned back to their personal projects of makeup and an easy chatter filled the room. Brian walked to Ginger and examined her reflection. ‘Girl, you sure you wanna go with that?’

‘Oh bitch, the day I start taking makeup tips from you is still long time coming,’ Ginger snorted. ‘How’s Brian?’

Brian looked at her in confusion. ‘Tracy, how’s Tracy?’ Ginger clarified.

‘Oh, right! Yeah no, she’s good. We’re shooting UNHhhh again on the fifth.’

Ginger halted. ‘Fifth? You realise that’s in three days, and you’re in fucking Rio.’

Brian nodded with huge eyes and an awkward grin that basically read: I know, I’m fucked.

Ginger rolled her eyes. ‘Geez girl, I heard the story, but didn’t know you got it that bad.’

‘You don’t know the half of it,’ Brian confessed and Ginger looked at him, surprised. Brian shook his head slightly. He didn’t want to explain. Not here, not now. She took the hint.

‘Well, I’m happy to see you anyway,’ Ginger said and then raised her voice for everyone to hear: ‘It’s nice to have some decent company around!’

Someone threw a wig that landed half on Ginger, half on Brian.

‘Wig abuse is a punishable crime!’ Sharon yelled.

Brian spent the following hour chit-chatting with the crew and the owner of the club. He helped Jinkx with her corset and re-pinned Adore’s ponytail. He had a conversation with Ginger about her new boyfriend and whilst doing all of that, he also took note that while Alaska never approached him, she was also always just a couple of steps away, exactly so that he could see her in the corner of his eye.

When the show finally started and the girls made their way to the stage, Alaska finally turned to Brian. In six inch heels and already taller than Brian, Alaska towered over him. She took a gentle hold of his left ear and ran her thumb over it in caress. She then smiled, lowered herself to whisper into Brian’s ear and said: ‘You need a shower, you stink.’ Brian’s laughter sounded like cat having a seizure.

After the show it didn’t take the queens long to undress, pack and start moving towards the hotel. They still had one more show in the same club and could leave most of their belongings in the dressing room. Brian was the only one who grabbed his bag when they left. Aaron and Chad offered them a ride, which Justin skillfully declined by insisting he wanted food and didn’t mind walking. Brian agreed with Justin, who informed him that he knew the way to his own as well as to Brian’s hotel.

‘Yours is basically on the way,’ Justin said and nudged his head to show direction. ‘This way.’

Brian nodded and fell into an easy step next to the taller man. They chatted about the show and Alaska’s stage presence. They laughed about lipsync-mistakes and stopped in front of shop windows to rate the display. They got slices of pizza from a small takeout place and shared a coke. They talked about easy things, like snake hearts or Trixie’s makeup. They talked about Bro’Laska and how the series was slightly different in it’s dynamic to the other WOW series. They talked about what UNHhhh was actually about: anything, everything and nothing, in every episode.

‘So she banned Contact, even a reference to the film and she gives me this look. Like she’s my mother, and she’s just caught me smoking pot while wanking to animal porn - the disappointment and disapproval is real girl, so real!’ Brian cried, pressing his right fist to his chest.

Justin laughed and looked up to the building next to them. ‘This is yours.’

Brian glanced to the building and could feel the awkwardness set between them - a feeling that had not entered to their interaction once during the walk. Brian worried his lower lip.

‘Do you, do youwannacom’up?’ Brian blurted the words out with such a speed that they tangled together. Justin turned to face him and smiled slightly. Then he nodded once. Yes. Yes, he wanted to come up.

Brian felt relieved and answered with a wide grin: ‘Well, good, because otherwise that would’ve been fucking mortifying!’

Justin chuckled.

They checked Brian in and got a keycard. The trip to the ninth floor seemed to take weeks, months even, as the sexual tension between the couple thickened with every step toward the room. Brian unlocked the door and let Justin walk in first. He followed suit and closed the door. It was dark. The lights of Rio lit parts of the small parlour that led to a bedroom, which seemed to lead further to a bathroom.

Brian dropped the keycard into the slot provided for it and the lights turned on, revealing Justin, who stood in the middle of the parlour, staring intently at Brian. He was breathing shallowly and Brian could read want in his eyes - maybe even lust? Not wanting to break the moment Brian bit his teeth together. He had a tendency to say inappropriate things at inappropriate moments and really wanted to avoid that. He walked slowly to Justin, who closely followed his every step. Brian felt like a hunter, trying not to scare his prey. He looked straight at Justin as he drew closer and placed his palms gently to his hips.

‘I don’t enjoy quiet, shy or awkward sex. I want communication. If you want something, you need to tell me, and I’ll pay you the same courtesy,’ Brian said gently, but sternly. Justin nodded.

Brian was very conscious of their difference in height, but decided that he would still be setting the tone. If Justin wanted to lead, he would have to ask for it. Brian doubted the lanky boy had any such aspirations, so he just lifted his chin a little and waited.

Justin could feel hands on his hips and was staring down to Brian, who had not proceeded to kiss him like he had expected. Justin blinked and repeated Brian’s words in his mind. It all made sense, but it fell flat on Justin – he didn’t know how to ask for such things. Usually sex just happened. Mostly little outside of his control. It was a feeling rather than a rational choice, and to be put into a situation where he had total control and had to reason it felt strange. Sure, he had begged to be fucked plenty, he had even demanded to be fucked in a couple of occasions. But never had he ever made a request for sex, a request that he knew would be respected – and that was exactly what Brian was offering. It made Justin hot, bothered, and a little hard.

‘I want you to fuck me.’ Saying the words out loud, clearly, sober, free of obligations, totally in control – it felt empowering. He wanted this.

‘I know,’ Brian smirked, but did not move.

Justin traced Brian’s right cheek with his fingertips, lifted his both hands to Brian’s neck, placing his thumps behind Brian’s ears and then bent down to meet his lips. Soft, hot… Intruding. Brian smiled, opened his lips and kissed back. They were exploring, tasting, feeling. Learning what worked, what felt good – and what didn’t.

‘I want you,’ Justin breathed into Brian’s mouth, and Brian chuckled.

‘I want to fuck you so deep and hard that you come screaming your own name,’ Brian whispered. He kissed Justin’s neck and said quietly against Justin’s skin: ‘But before that, I’d really like to wash you and eat you out.’

Justin startled and took a step back. He looked at Brian, who was now biting his lower lip.

‘Too much?’ Brian asked, worried. ‘Fuck, I knew I’d say something and you’d freak out. Shit.’

Brian closed his eyes in frustration. Why the fuck couldn’t he ever keep his mouth shut? Then he felt fingers on his cheek. Carefully, he opened his eyes.

Justin was smiling. There was traces of blush on his cheeks and neck. Brian raised his eyebrows, questioningly. What was the snake up to?

Justin licked his lips quickly and took an indifferent pose. He pretended to be examining the nails of his left hand as he drawled slowly: ‘Well, you do need a shower…’

Brian’s jaw dropped. Justin smirked and he took another step back. Brian could see the glimmer of humour in Justin’s eyes and knew they were on the same page.

‘You better run, or I’m going to fucking spank you for that,’ Brian threatened, smiling.

Justin snorted: ‘Promises, promises,’ but took yet another step back. Brian burst into a howling laughter.

Now, Trixie would’ve seen it coming, but Justin was not as familiar with Brian and was therefore completely taken aback when the Russian Hooker abruptly stopped laughing, closed their distance, grabbed his shoulders and growled in an extremely low voice: ‘Shower, now.’ And then Justin was being pulled towards the bathroom. They stopped right at the door and Brian turned to unbutton Justin’s jeans while the taller man just stared.

‘You are allowed to help, you know?’ Brian commented.

‘Nah, I’d rather just watch you do it,’ Justin drawled and made absolutely no effort to help.

Brian snickered. ‘Christ, you’re a handful.’

‘My, thank you,’ Justin purred and Brian laughed.

‘Oh, shut up,’ Brian snorted but continued to undress the younger man, giving soft kisses and gentle caresses to the newly revealed areas of skin on his hips, thighs, knees… Coming back up he traced a path all the way up from Justin’s hibone to his armpit with his nose and tongue - kissing, licking, smelling - while lifting the younger queen’s shirt up. Justin helpfully grabbed the shirt’s hem, pulled and threw the garment over his head, onto the floor. He then lowered his arms onto Brian’s shoulders and leaned in for a kiss.

Brian let his hands fall to Justin’s naked ass as he pulled the man closer. Justin smelled like a weird mixture of cigarettes, dust and something sharp Brian couldn’t identify. Through the kisses Brian could feel Justin moving his feet and getting rid of his shoes, socks and the jeans and boxers that Brian had earlier pushed around his ankles. Brian smirked around the kissing and could feel Justin smiling as well. They broke apart and shared a smile.

‘We look beautiful,’ Justin said then and glanced somewhere behind Brian’s left shoulder.

Brian turned to look and saw a reflection of them in the bedroom window. Justin stood naked, but came across rather modest as his body was half covered by Brian’s own, fully clothed reflection.

‘We look like a balding horny elf wanting to fuck a non-suspecting fairy-princess,’ he commented dryly.

‘That’s what I said,’ Justin noted, pretending to be confused. Brian’s laughter filled the bedroom.

‘You’re wearing awfully lot for a shower,’ Justin said after Brian had reached some composure and raised an eyebrow.

Brian snorted and started to undress, ‘You start. I’ll be there in a second.’

‘Okurrrr,’ Justin replied and turned to the bathroom.

Brian shook his head and couldn’t resist admiring the view the taller queen offered whilst walking to the bathroom. Brian undressed and glanced at his own reflection on the window. He had slightly narrower shoulders than Justin, but by some miracle the younger queen still had narrower hips and skinnier legs. Justin might not have been the most conventionally handsome man, but he definitely was a work of art.

Brian walked to the bathroom and took a long look at Justin, who was standing his back towards the door. Justin was letting the water run over his shoulders and back, while leaning to his hands. He had bowed his head down, eyes closed. Brian had never seen anything so alluring. He walked behind Justin and gently placed his right hand onto Justin’s hip to signal to him that he was in the shower.

‘Mm,’ Justin acknowledged his presence and Brian pressed a gentle kiss on his shoulder blade. He then took a step closer and pressed his hips against Justin’s backside, wrapped his left hand around Justin’s waist and only when he was certain of his balance, he pressed his chest to Justin’s back. He started to drop small kisses and bites onto Justin’s shoulders and upper back. He wasn’t quite tall enough to reach his neck in this position, but didn’t let that bother him. Instead Brian let his right hand wander all over Justin’s body; his chest, stomach, crotch, balls, inner thighs… Where ever he could reach; through Justin’s side all the way up to his right armpit and arm. Justin answered to every touch either through small sighs of pleasure or by squirming into or away from the touch. Brian was mentally mapping the places that produced the most positive responses.

When Brian was content with his explorations he took a small step to the left and reached for the soap from a container he had previously noticed on the shower room wall. Justin was stirred from his trance and turned to look what was going on. Brian just smiled and gently guided his head back between his hands, bowed between his shoulders. He then adjusted his left arm slightly higher on Justin’s waist and laid his soaped right palm on Justin’s lower back. In small gentle circles Brian moved his hand over Justin’s hips, buttocks and inner thighs before reaching further down and tracing his gouch from behind the balls all the way up, back to Justin’s lower back. Justin squirmed and let his head drop completely.

‘Do that again.’

Brian smiled and obliged, this time he took his time and went slower, playing with the amount of pressure. Justin was vibrating in his embrace.

‘That feels so good.’

Brian took a step closer, pressed his own half-erected cock between Justin’s buttocks and thighs and continued to soap the man all over. When he reached to Justin’s cock, he noticed the younger queen was fully erect and decided to give the man only one firm squeeze before continuing to soap his balls and lower abdomen.

Justin had his complaints about Brian ignoring his erection, but Brian just laughed.

‘Patience.’

Brian was getting harder and took a step back. He needed to calm down if he wanted this to last longer than the following five minutes. Standing now little left to Justin, Brian took a firmer hold of the younger man and pressed a kiss to his shoulder. He reached for more soap and spread most of it again on Justin’s lower back.

‘Now, you’re going to tell me if you’re uncomfortable, right?’

Justin nodded in affirmation and sighed as Brian reached down and brushed his fingers over his  hole, massaging gently. Justin adjusted his legs wider and Brian smirked. Someone was eager. He kept playing with different pressures, different finger movements and when he finally dipped his index finger into Justin, the man groaned. Brian took good time making sure Justin was comfortable. His own erection was throbbing with precum before he added a second finger. Justin groaned again.

‘More.’

Brian was happy to take orders. He licked Justin’s shoulder blade once before crouching down behind him, spreading Justin’s cheeks apart and taking a long lick. Justin moaned loudly and grabbed a firm hold of his own cock with his right hand.

‘More,’ Justin repeated and started to pump with firm slow strokes. He could feel Brian’s mouth on his entrance. He could feel the licks, the sucks, the teeth scratching gently. He pressed his backside more firmly against Brian and enjoyed the attention. He could feel Brian’s tongue pushing inside and then disappearing again, all while the warm water still dripped to his shoulders and back, finally hitting the floor. Justin could feel the tension building, his thoughts started to scatter and there was not enough, not enough of anything. There just needed to be more, more of everything.

‘Fuck me,’ he pleaded, on the edge.

Brian could hear from the voice that Justin was close. He needed to be quick. And that was the moment Brian realised that all of his condoms were packed into his bag, which was probably still next to the front door. Brian swore at his own stupidity and stood up. He pressed his cock against Justin’s thigh, wrapped his arm tightly around Justin’s waist and pressed his forehead to his shoulder.

‘Come for me,’ he whispered to Justin and pushed three fingers as deep into him as they would reach. Justin moaned.

‘Don’t, don’t stop.’

Brian kept a steady pace and could feel the tension building. Justin was vibrating and his breaths sped up. Brian could feel his own orgasm approaching as he fucked the man in his arms with his fingers.

‘Let go, come on, come for me,’ Brian repeated and watched in fascination as the man in his arms, with the help of his own hand, reached his climax. It was beautiful.

The image alone threw Brian over the edge and he came with a groan.

* * *

Brian grimaced as the cum on his stomach started to cool. Dry cum was not his favorite thing on skin, so maybe he really should start moving towards the shower that had been waiting for – he  glanced at his phone – for approximately 25 minutes. Daydreaming really was a talent and he couldn’t even remember the last time he had come so hard without actual visual aids. He sighed and tried to reach for the t-shirt that was lying on the floor, just a couple of feet away. He stretched his right foot towards it and as he tried to pick the shirt up with his toes he felt shooting pain on his big toe.

‘Ouf-ffffuck.’

He glanced down to his toe, which had dried blood all over it. Some of it had already turned ugly brown and it seemed the floor also had gotten its share of it.

‘Shit.’

Brian took a deep breath and groaned while getting up. His cock had shrunk back to its normal size and he could feel the after-climax tiredness creeping in. He needed to get into the shower. Now.

He took a couple of careful steps and as the big toe did not hurt too badly, he made it to the shower. While the warm water was washing away the sweat, the blood and the cum, Brian kept thinking about his Rio fantasy. It was obvious that he was sexually attracted to Justin, and to Alaska on some level, which was weird - even for him.

He thought about Aaron’s request and whether or not his short fantasy had any chances of being close to reality, had he actually gone to Brazil. Probably not. He had no idea why Aaron had even called him. The fact that Justin had once sucked him off didn’t mean that the man had any romantic feelings for him. Brian doubted Aaron knew about their other interactions or the social media flirting - how could he? Or maybe Justin had told him? Brian had no way of knowing how much the ex-royal-couple-of-drag still shared with each other.

When Aaron had actually uttered the words ‘Come to Brazil?’ less than an hour ago, Brian had immediately thought about going. Because, why the fuck not? Luckily for him, Brenda was having a good day and informed him with confidence that to get into a plane for someone whose feelings and intentions he wasn’t sure of, was equal to volunteering for Hunger Games with non-existent survival skills. On top of that he had three clubs gigs and an UNHhhh to shoot. There was no possible way he could’ve gone to Brazil and even if he could’ve, it would’ve been absolutely fucking insane to do so.

‘I don’t know, Aaron. Look, like you said, I’ve got work. I don’t even know why you’re asking me,’ Brian had said.

Aaron had been silent for a while. ‘I thought you guys had a thing. I thought you cared?’

Brian had gotten upset by the comment because it had sounded like an accusation. Of course he fucking cared! Had he not specifically asked Aaron to go and check that Justin was alright? And how exactly was Justin’s mental health suddenly his responsibility? And it wasn’t like they had a thing, had they had a thing the story might’ve been different, but they didn’t, they didn’t have a thing.

‘Listen, one blowjob doesn’t make me his caretaker, and for you to assume that Justin would even want me there is rather presumptuous.’

‘I didn-’

‘No? Didn’t assume, presume or just didn’t care enough to consult with him? I asked your help today because I thought you guys had an understanding, and I thought that it was based on mutual respect for one another. I don’t know what you want from me, and how I see it, whether or not I care, and whether or not we have a thing - that’s none of your business. I bet you mean well, so to save us both some dignity, I’m just going to end this phone call right now and pretend it never took place. Good night.’

Afterwards Brian had regretted losing his cool. It had taken him quite a while to calm down as, for whatever reason, yelling at Aaron Coady on the phone in the early hours of the night left him hot and bothered. He had decided that the easiest way to relax would be to masturbate and as he was already naked, half of the job was basically done. He’d taken a seat at the living room sofa and closed his eyes in concentration. The first image behind his closed lids had been Justin’s smile and Brian’s imagination had ran with it - taking him all the way to Rio like Aaron had suggested.

Brian sighed and stepped out of the shower. He had only wanted some innocent flirting and discussion about snake hearts - instead he had been given a three hour ride on the emotional rollercoaster of doom. A fucking nightmare. He dried himself off and walked to his phone in the living room. He wanted to send Justin a message, but didn’t know what to say - what could one say in such a situation?

His head hurt. He really hadn’t asked for any of this. He wanted to call Tracy, but knew that the queen was out on a date. Fuck the situation, fuck Justin and fuck Needles in particular. He could barely keep his own shit together; he was not cut to deal with someone else’s. Brian felt nauseous just thinking about it. He pulled on a pair of college pants he happened to find in the kitchen and opened the window a little. He really needed to smoke. He opened the kitchen cabinet he kept his weed in, only to come empty-handed. Shit. He was out. He tapped his nails to the kitchen counter nervously. What now?

He glanced to the clock on the wall to see the time. Could he still get some? Probably not, not today. He glanced outside of the kitchen window and saw that the liquor store across the street was open. He glanced back to the clock, it wasn’t 2am yet. He could just drop in, buy a beer, not a big deal. Brian stopped his thoughts. This was dangerous. The thought pattern was dangerous. He started pacing back and forth in the kitchen, glancing at the store every now and then. Fuck. He left the kitchen to the living room; at least the window was facing another direction. A small mercy. He took a deep breath to calm himself. He had options, he knew that. The things he needed to do were really simple: eat, sleep and talk. Simple. At least now he knew the emerging signs. Addiction was not something to play with; he needed to calm down. He walked back to the living room and took a seat at the sofa before dialling the number he knew would pick up at this hour.

A 45 minute chat made him feel better and more stable. He fiddled with his phone and wondered about Justin again - would it be worth it? If he wasn’t willing to risk it now, would he ever be? And truthfully, maybe that was all that Justin wanted, harmless flirting and some sexual tension to keep them both energised? If that was the goal, it was definitely working.

Brian sighed and opened WhatsApp. It was true, whatever this thing was with Justin, they could figure it out later, but they were first and foremost friends, and a friend deserved a ‘I hope you’re ok’-message after a panic attack – and in the end, that was all that mattered.

* * *

It was 7 am in Rio when Justin’s smartphone vibrated as a sign of a new received message.

Brian: ‘Interacting with Needles really makes a man want to angry-fuck something, I can see why you kept him around for so long. I hope sending him to check on you wasn’t a shitty move, if so, I’m at your mercy.’

[shooter-nobunagun]

[13] A Monster with no name

Well, I'll give you that justice, as much as you desire it Before you can destroy or be destroyed by it I pay the price for my karma Let's go together, monster without a name

Warnings: frank discussions about incest, and incestuous feelings; please tread carefully if you are uncomfortable with these topics.

���Yo. What’s eating you?” She kicked the leg of his desk and got a slight grunt in return, but his head was still planted flat on the surface. “Well, at least you’re not dead...” It had been about a week since Jack’s sudden illness, and though he’d ultimately recovered without a trip to the hospital, it was another few days before Adam deemed him well enough to return to the classroom. Both Ogura twins had visited numerous times during that period, despite the risk--Sio wanted to keep Adam company and Nobu insisted she could watch over Jack while he rested, although the truth was she had been quite worried about the younger brother as well, though she’d never openly admit it. 

“Don’t you have someone else to go torment at the moment?” A low growl finally surfacing after a few more kicks, Jack glaring up at her from beneath a veil of white bangs. “Piss off already, unless you’ve something of importance to discuss.”

Nobunagun raised an eyebrow and let a low whistle. “Wow, someone piss in your Cheerios today or something?” Normally she didn’t stand for any kind of backtalk, much less from her boyfriend, but she sensed this wasn’t just Jack being his usual acerbic self. “I just wanted to check in on you...geeze,” she muttered, planting herself on his desk despite his attitude. “...I was worried about you, dumbass...”

“...Tch. While your concern is...appreciated, I’m not exactly in the mood for chit-chat, alright?” Though Jack still hadn’t moved, his tone was slightly less harsh. “No need t’ worry about me; I’m basically fine now. Frickin’ Adam made me stay in bed until the contagious period was over...” 

“What, you still upset over the whole...hospital thing?” Nobunagun wasn’t sure if now was the best time to bring up such a touchy subject, but then again she was never one to hold back, either. “Adam-kun kinda gave us the run-down...”

Another grunt. “...No. Not really...”

Huh. Nobunagun stopped her own brooding and carefully studied the boy before her. She was sure he’d be snapping at her to stop prying about his personal phobias but he’d been surprisingly calm, if somewhat cold. Actually, now that she thought about it, his behavior recently and even before he got sick had been off compared to when they first met. Nobunagun wondered briefly if he was getting tired of her...although guys came and went in her life, the thought of being suddenly dumped by Jack caused her stomach to churn a little and an uneasy weight settled in her chest. 

‘Well, so what? If he wants to end it, then whatever...there’s plenty of fish in the sea, especially since he’s going back to England anyway...’ Still, her mood was noticeably darker after that; not even Sio’s light-hearted chatter about what she and Adam had planned after school could distract her.

“Ano...Nobu-nee-sama? Are you okay?” Worried eyes blinked back at her as Nobunagun finally forced herself to stop dwelling on what was bothering Jack. “I...you’re not going to finish those tomatoes, are you?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah no...go ahead,” she muttered, dumping all the round fruits into her sister’s bento. “Sorry...just, thinking about stuff...”

“...Is everything okay with Jack-san?” 

“Hnn...” She gave a noncommittal grunt, though she knew Sio wouldn’t be fooled. “I don’t know...maybe. It’s not anything really major, but...something just feels kinda off. Dunno why.”

“O-Oh...I see... W, Well then, do you...want me to stay with you at home?”

“H-Huh?” Nobunagun looked up in a bit of a shock, not quite expecting her sister to selflessly call off her date. “But, aren’t you...you’re going to check out that new arcade with Adam, aren’t you? There’s no need to cancel just because Jack and I are having...issues...”

“Ah, Nobu...” At this the girl played around with the remaining tomatoes nervously, as if unsure how to broach the subject. “It’s...well, it’s true that I really want to go check it out with Adam...but, you’re still really important to me too, you know. A-And anyway, I think it’d be hard for me to enjoy myself if I knew you were moping about at home, s-s-so...” There was a slight tremble in her voice, and the next thing Nobunagun saw was a single tear sliding down her sister’s face.

“Sio--! Ah jeeze, seriously....” Before anyone else could catch sight of her sister’s tears, Nobunagun was already wiping them away with her handkerchief. “Oy, Sio...it’s okay, really! I mean, I, I...” Sighing, she pulled Sio into a more subdued hug, not caring if anyone else was watching at this moment. “Mou, what am I going to do with you? Seriously...”

“S, Sorry Nobu...but, it’s just...” Sio sniffed once more, before taking a deep breath. “It seems so unfair, I wanted both of us to, to be having fun dating...it sucks that y-you and Jack-san aren’t getting along...”

“Yeah, well...I don’t know if I’d really call it that, to be honest,” Nobunagun muttered, wiping away Sio’s remaining tears. “I think it’s something else that’s bugging him...but I’m not really sure if I should even ask. Don’t wanna be a busybody.”

“Well...do you care about Jack-san?”

“What? What do you mean... Like sure, I guess...I mean, I like him and I was worried when he got sick--”

“That’s not what I meant.” Nobunagun looked up in surprise; it was rare for Sio to interrupt her, much less imply Nobunagun didn’t understand something. “I mean, yeah, I could tell you were worried when he was sick...but, I guess what I’m trying to say is...do you care about how he feels? Like, like how you’re always looking out for me, or getting worried about someone hurting me...those types of feelings, do you...feel that way about Jack-san, as well? Do you think about how your actions will affect him?”

Nobunagun was silent as she pondered her sister’s words. For all her childish innocence, Sio could be surprisingly insightful at times; or maybe she had always been, only Nobunagun had never really taken the time to notice, until now. Her feelings towards Jack...for some reason, it wasn’t as clear anymore, not like back when she’d first laid eyes on them and decided to go after one--it was just supposed to be a fling, an enjoyable thing until he went back and she moved on with her life. But now....there was still the thrill of physical pleasure, but it was more subdued recently, and less important. Actually now that she thought about it, prior to his illness they’d been having less sex and more talking and hanging out--not unusual for most people, but it was markedly different than all her previous relationships, and suddenly Nobunagun felt very unsure of where this might be going.

‘Iya...Sio will always be the one I care about the most...! It’s always been like this, it can’t change...just because of one guy...I can’t love him more than Sio...’

“N-Nobu? Daijoubu?” It wasn’t like her to be so unsettled up by a guy, but somehow Nobunagun couldn’t shake the feeling of unease, even after her sister gave her hand a warm squeeze. “D, Don’t worry Nobu! N, Nee, I know; I’ll, come back early from my date with Adam...a-and, we can do something together, just the two of us before dinner! Maybe we can start that game you’ve been talking about...Nier Auto...mato?” 

“...Nier Automata,” she replied on automatic, still trying to wrench her brain free from the distressing thoughts. It wasn’t until the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch did she force herself to return to her desk, Sio casting her a worried glance as they took their seats but Nobunagun just couldn’t find the words to answer her.

After all, what could she say, how should she even say it? That she might no longer love her sister as much as she used to? Despite everything Sio had said about being there for each other and understanding her thoughts, it would no doubt break her heart to hear something like that. ‘But, no, it’s not…it’s not like that…! Can’t I care about both of them equally…but just, not the same way…even though, even though I—’

“Ogura!” She nearly jumped out of her seat, even though under normal circumstances it was the teachers who feared her. “Page 45, second paragraph down. Or are your thoughts that much more engrossing than The Tale of Genji?”

“…No…sensei,” she could hear the class tittering amongst themselves, some giggling at how flustered the usually-fierce Nobunagun was while others whispered what could’ve possibly upset the outspoken girl. Ignoring the burning feeling at being caught off-guard and humiliated, she slammed the page open and read aloud, though with none of the usual grandiose enthusiasm she tended to portray. —— “Hey…you free today?” Club had long since ended, Sio having skipped out entirely to go on her date but not before she promised to be back well before dinner—‘so we can start Nier!’—leaving Nobunagun to her usual air-soft team, although it was apparent the events of today had left her unable to focus, given the number of times she’d missed her targets. The club members worried about their usually-competent team captain, but she’d managed to brush it off as just exhaustion. Still, she didn’t say no when her second-in-command offered to clean up the gym, urging their captain to go home and get some much-needed rest. And so she did…well, at least she would, but not before she and a certain white-haired boy had a conversation.

He eyed her with a half-hearted stare, before slamming his locker shut. “Sure, I guess. What, don’t tell me you wanna go on a date too…”

Nobunagun rolled her eyes. “Not unless you want to…” A shake of his head confirmed her thoughts. “Thought so. No, I uh…just, wanted to chat…a bit.”

Now it was his turn to blink at her, Nobunagun feeling unusually embarrassed and vulnerable for some reason. It wasn’t wrong for her to just want to talk, right? Everybody did it all the time…except, she was starting to realize, talking and discussing things beyond the surface level was never something she really did, until now, it seemed. Only Sio ever got to know that side, the one that held thoughts about the future, her fears and worries. Even though she knew Jack well enough to trust he wouldn’t make fun of her, to open herself up on that level to someone other than her sister was strangely nerve-wracking. For once she couldn’t meet his eyes, instead staring blankly into the steel wall of lockers, her foot tapping in a nervous habit.

It seemed like forever before he responded, Nobunagun thinking she’d have to blurt out some half-baked excuse, but at last he responded with a ‘sure’, and the two silently left the hallways, Nobunagun feeling more awkward than usual.

“So…you wanna come over or go to your place?”

Another grunt. “Well…since neither of them are gonna be around…your place then?” She was slightly surprised he volunteered her place, but then again she did give him a choice.

“All right. Let’s go then.” —— The house was quiet as usual, though somehow the atmosphere felt anything but calm as Nobunagun went through her usual motions of tea and snacks. In her haste her arm accidentally brushed against the hot iron teapot, Nobunagun nearly dropping the cups in pain as she cursed angrily.

“God dammit--hot--!”

“Careful, I got it.” Jack reached over and took the cups from her, before gripping her arm and carefully examining the reddish skin, wrapping a cool towel around the burned area. “You need some ice after this, but the towel should help.”

“...Thanks,” she muttered, feeling both embarrassed and grateful for his aid. “...God, today just sucks for some reason.”

“Tch, you’re tellin’ me...”

Nobunagun took a deep breath. It still felt awkward to be broaching such a...touchy-feely subject, but she felt if nothing was said, they’d both die of awkwardness. “Say...are you, okay? And I’m not talking about the flu--I mean, has something...happened, lately?” 

Jack’s eyes narrowed and he didn’t say anything, and Nobunagun knew she was onto something. “I-I mean...all right, look. I’ll be the first to admit that I suck at these ‘emotional’ conversations or whatever you want to call this, but I...I’m, concerned, okay?” She squirmed in embarrassment, if Jack didn’t say something soon she would probably end up upending the table or something--

“...I, I...I don’t know...maybe...” There were a few minutes of nervous muttering, his hands poking the cushions on the floor while Nobunagun patiently sipped her tea.

“...I, actually wanted to talk to you about this...but, it’s...”

“...’It’s’...?”

“Nevermind,” he replied hastily, avoiding her stare. “It’s complicated. And frankly...I don’t think it’s right to ask you, of all people.”

Well. That was intriguing. Nobunagun was never one to care for social expectations and politeness, and her boyfriend was no exception. “Not right? Uh, in case you haven’t noticed, but I’m pretty fucking hard to offend,” she tried joking, but his grim expression didn’t change. “Oh, come on Jack. I know I’m the most-feared student among all the third-years, but it’s not like I can’t be serious when it matters,” she frowned, trying her best to not come off as whiny. “Look, it’s true we’ve never really discussed serious or personal topics, but...I’d like to think we know each other well enough at this point to talk about more than just video games and sex...”

“...Heh, you know, you’re much cuter when you retract your claws, wildcat.” He poured himself another cup of tea, before eyeing her at last with a weary glance. “All right, since you’re offering so kindly...but before I go any further, I want your word that none of what we discuss today will leave this room. And I mean it, Nobunagun. You can’t tell any of this even to Sio-chan...and I know how twins are.” To her surprise, he was gazing at her with both of those fierce emeralds, Nobunagun feeling herself nod.

“Yeah, of course...even I have things I don’t tell my sister about,” she muttered, mind suddenly flashing back to that unspeakable moment. “I promise, you can trust me,” she met his eyes with an equally steady look, and he nodded in satisfaction.

“...Yeh...yeh, alright.” Gulping the last of his tea down, he wiped his mouth rather unsteadily, before facing her again. “It...it’s...god, this is so bad...”

“...What is it, Jack? Just tell me; I’ll listen, I promise,” 

“...It has to do with my brother. With Adam.” Nobunagun nodded. She knew all twins shared unusually deep bonds with their other halves, so if it had something to do with Adam, then no wonder Jack was so upset by...whatever it was.

“I...I had, some...thoughts towards him. The not-so-good kind.” Jack’s face turned unusually pale, and Nobunagun slowly reached out and petted his hand. 

“You...wanted to hurt your brother?” 

He shook his head. “No...that would almost be preferable...and logical. But, no...I...”

He was silent for so long Nobunagun wondered if she shouldn’t back off, until...

“...I thought about him sexually. And then I wanked myself off to him.”

A sudden heaviness descended the room, Nobunagun feeling an odd mixture of shock coming over her, but also guilty acknowledgement. In fact, if anything the shock was fading faster than the guilt. After all, wasn’t that what she’d grappled with, that day Sio had shyly asked her about masturbating and orgasms, and instead of giving her some sensible, educational materials, she’d gone ahead and not only suggested they touch themselves in the same room, but then she did the very same to her own twin.

“I...I know, it’s disgusting, but I just couldn’t help myself and it happened so suddenly I didn’t even realize what was going on until--”

She held a hand up before Jack could launch into hysterics. “No. I, uh...honestly, I can see why you were...hesitant before. But also...I, don’t think you’re disgusting, or or...bad, for doing something like that. Sure, I’m kinda shocked, but...” She trailed helplessly, wondering how much she should reveal herself. Maybe it was just one of those ‘crazy teenage hormone’ things, or maybe it was something deeper...in any case, she’d play it by ear and tread lightly, for now. “I-I mean, c’mon man, you know how those hormones get...when you add in a crazy imagination and a brain that’s always trying to sabotage you with ‘bad’ thoughts...” She gave a weak grin, but Jack’s face remained stoic. “I mean...we, look just like each other...it’s not wrong to fantasize about ourselves...a-and besides, it’s not like you actually did anything to him, right?”

Nobunagun swallowed hard at the last sentence. Yeah, better to keep it all in your head, instead of acting out your fantasies. But with Sio, it wasn’t that Nobunagun always harbored a secret lust for her sister; that incident, wrong as it was, had been a one-off, something that just happened because of the circumstances and timing and whatever the hell her brain convinced her at the time. At least, that’s what she wanted to believe... It wasn’t a lie to say she was brooding more lately about hers and Sio’s relationship, but those feelings were of a protective sibling, not romantic or sexual...were they?

It seemed Jack might’ve been dealing with something similar, given his continued sullen demeanor, despite all of Nobunagun’s words. “...No, I didn’t. But, still...” He sighed heavily, and for the first time Nobunagun saw a look of true despair across his face. “...Even if, that was just a one-off, or, whatever...for some reason, my mind...I can’t, stop thinking about it...and honestly, I know deep down...this isn’t some weird, hormone-driven wank-fest. I’ve noticed it for a while now...how I think about my brother, has changed lately. Of course I care about him, and I know he’s my brother...but for some reason, I just, I just...feel so possessive of him. Even though I’m the one who encouraged him to start dating...I didn’t think it would hurt like this.”

He didn’t elaborate much but Nobunagun understood exactly. The fear of their twins leaving them for someone else, someone more important...even if it was natural, and her brain told her it was a good thing, no amount of logic could change the twinge of bitterness in her heart each time Sio skipped out for a date, or gaily chattered about all the things she and Adam discussed that day. Slowly, she moved from her side and sat down next to the boy, gently rubbing his arm in a rare show of affection.

“Hey, it’s okay...trust me, I know that feeling too...in fact, I...have a lot of the same thoughts regarding Sio, as well...” she hugged her knees to her chest, leaning slightly against his side. “Honestly, I’m...glad you chose to tell me all this; ‘cause honestly, just knowing that I’m not the only one who’s had these feelings...”

“Hnn...I guess if that’s one good thing that’s come out of this, then sure...but still, your feelings towards Sio aren’t...well, sexual...fuck, I just don’t get it...! Jack threw his hands up in frustration, spilling the teacup but Nobunagun didn’t seem to care, even as the tea spread across the table. “How the hell did I even start thinking like this...makes no goddamn sense!” Groaning, the boy buried his head in his hands, sinking onto the cushions as he curled into a fetal position. “It’s wrong on so many levels I don’t even know where to begin...I know it’s wrong, but at the same time, I won’t deny it...it felt, good...thinking those types of thoughts, it made me turned on, even though it goes against everything I know and feel...and it’s not like you’ve kept me wanting for sex or anything...”

Nobunagun wiped up the spilled tea but didn’t say anything else. What Jack suggested was heading into dangerous territory...that “forbidden temptation” of incest, such a common tag among her many browsings on adult sites, but she knew it was just another fetish people liked to imagine, but rarely indulge. ‘And yet here we are, both of us thinking and even doing that kind of shit to our own twins...’

“...I know. That kind of ‘forbidden fruit’,” she smirked dryly, palms sweaty and shaky as she recalled her own actions, “I guess pervs like us just can’t help it; the more someone tries to tell us no, the more we go ‘yes’...” Her heart was pounding and Nobunagun realized she was more nervous than she thought. Was she really about to confess touching her own sister to someone else?

‘Hey, he admitted to having those thoughts first!’

‘Yeah, but at least he didn’t actually touch his twin, just thought about it...’

‘Well you’re both already knee-deep into this, might as well let it all out, right? Might make you feel better getting this off your chest.’

There was a shaky breath as she tried to calm herself down somewhat, although now it felt like her entire body was turning numb as her heart continued to pound. “I-I...y, you know...with Sio, I...also...”

“...What?”

His voice wasn’t judging or even offended, yet a second later Nobunagun felt a tear forming in the corner of her eye, letting out a strangled gasp as she hurriedly wiped it up. “Y-Yeah...those types of feelings...at least, for you they’re just thoughts. It’s not like you, you did those things....unlike me...touching my own sister like that...”

An ugly feeling of disgust rose through her body, and Nobunagun resisted the urge to vomit. But it was much harder to resist her tears, which were now falling steadily despite her best efforts. “Honestly, I’m even worse; taking advantage of my little sister like that...even though, even though I didn’t mean to...! And it’s not like I, I want to do that to her, you know?! Hell, I don’t understand myself either...it wasn’t like I planned it, o-or anything...it just, kinda, happened...”

There was a pat on her back, before Jack slowly draped an arm around her, Nobunagun glad for his support. “...It’s alright, Nobu. I don’t think of you any less, either...heh, I guess we really are a pair of mess-up perverts.” The two of them sat in silence for a while, Nobunagun sniffling every so often while Jack brooded, but he kept his arm around her.

“...Do you think something’s wrong with us?”

“Huh?” Nobunagun jerked out of her thoughts at Jack’s sudden comment. “I...I don’t know; I mean, at least we still have our morals...otherwise we wouldn’t feel so tortured.”

“That’s true...still, I can’t figure out how the hell these feelings even came about in the first place. Like I said, my whole life I’ve viewed Adam as my brother; why would I suddenly think of him...like that?”

Nobunagun bit her lips; she had an inkling it might be the same reason as her, that suddenly their respective twins were becoming close with other people, the possibility that they would no longer be each other’s most important person...

“...I wonder if I shouldn’t have encouraged him to date your sister. No offense or anything, it’s not that Sio-chan isn’t a good person,” Jack flushed nervously, "but thinking back...I didn’t start having these types of...feelings, until after Adam and I came here.”

“No...I was about to say the same, honestly,” the girl sighed, flopping backwards onto the cushions. “I mean, I’m also glad that Adam-kun is Sio’s first boyfriend...but that weird feeling, like you’re going to lose them...so you try and make them stay...”

Nobunagun couldn’t bring herself to say anymore, instead curling against Jack’s arm, mumbling incoherently against the fabric. Jack seemed to understand, even without her finishing, and lay down next to her, and to her great surprise, pulled her into a loose embrace. It was a strange move, given that they rarely cuddled or did anything Nobunagun deemed ‘fluffy’, even after sex, but somehow in this moment it felt right. Blushing, she buried her face against his shoulder so he couldn’t see her pink cheeks, feeling somewhat relieved that she finally told someone about this weird situation that had been brewing between her and Sio, and knowing she definitely wasn’t alone.

She was about to drift off into a nap when footsteps came bounding up the stairs, the door flying open as Sio made her entrance. “Nobu, I’m back--oh! S-Sorry, I didn’t...mean to interrupt,” her sister stuttered in apology, gently closing the door as she no-doubt misinterpreted the scene before her. “Ah, J-Jack-san, Nobu-nee-sama...gomen...”

“‘s fine, we weren’t really doing anything anyway,” Nobunagun muttered, rubbing her eyes as Jack sat up next to her with a yawn. “Don’t worry about it Sio, nothing happened.”

“A-Ah, o-okay...um, I’ll...be downstairs.” The younger twin bowed in apology again, before gently closing the door.

“Should be gettin’ back anyway...if your sister’s back, Adam’s bound to be home as well,” Jack gathered his bags and coat, as Nobunagun picked up their teacups. “But, Nobunagun...thanks, really. I mean it, it...means a lot to me that you were willing to listen...and even share your own feelings...”

It was uncharacteristic of him to be so serious, or even genuinely compliment her, and Nobunagun felt her face grow warm, despite the situation. “H-Huh? W, Well duh, of course...you’re my, boyfriend, right,” she murmured, unable to meet his gaze. “I should be thanking you too...for not freaking out and calling me a hentai...”

He gave her a quick hug, which was a surprise but didn’t stop her from returning it. “You’re a real piece of work, Nobu. And I’m glad i met you.” As the full meaning of that comment sunk in, he let himself down the stairs, said a quick ‘hi’ to Sio, and walked out the door, leaving Nobunagun still standing with a teacup in her hand.

“N, Nobu? Daijoubu?” Her sister came back up now that Jack was gone. “Did you...were you two able to talk about stuff?”

“Yeah...yeah, we...actually had a really long talk,” Nobunagun followed her sister down the stairs in a bit of a daze, mind still trying to process everything they’d discussed. “Sorry, I should’ve told you he was coming over for a bit, but I forgot...”

“Oh, it’s okay! I mean, I actually think it’s kind of nice, that you two were able to spend time together while I was out with Adam,” Sio smiled shyly, before hugging her sister. “Do you feel better now?”

Oh Sio. Her dear, sweet little sister, so innocent and pure in the ways of the world. An overwhelming sense of tenderness welled up in her heart, Nobunagun feeling on the verge of tears as she stared at her twin’s face. No, whatever happened between them that day was just a minor detour; there was no way she’d ever think of Sio as anything other than her beloved twin, her true half. No matter what happened in the future, she vowed to do everything to protect that innocence...

“N-Nobu? What’s wrong...” Sio was taken aback at her sister’s sudden display of affection. “You’re, crying...did something happen with Jack-san?”

“Hah...no, we’re fine. Trust me, it’s...it’ll be fine,” she let out a slight laugh, wiping her tears. “I guess it just hit me how lucky I am to have you for a twin, Sio-chan...I love you...”

“O-Oh, Nobu...” Sio returned the hug just as tightly, tears forming in her eyes as well. “You’re the best sister ever, Nobu. I can’t imagine my life without you...”

“Me neither.” Nobunagun wiped the last of her tears and did the same for Sio. “So, you wanna play a game about sad, pretty androids?”

Sio cheered as they both raced to the living room, setting up the console while Nobunagun composed a quick message to Jack. She might’ve not known everything about the two brothers, but if they were anything like her and Sio, Nobunagun had faith they’d work it out as well. Likely it would be different than her and Sio, but the bond between twins wasn’t something so easily destroyed.

Nobu: You’ll be daijoubu, Jack. Don’t worry, I believe it.

At least, that was what she believed then.